The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) administration has declared its unequivocal support for the appointment of former Interior and Local Government Secretary and ex-Congressman Mel Senen Sarmiento as the new Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (PAPRU). This move sees Sarmiento succeeding outgoing Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., with regional leaders highlighting his extensive background in governance and legislation as a critical asset for ongoing peace efforts.
Extensive Experience in Governance and Legislation
Sarmiento, who served as DILG secretary under former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III from 2015 to 2016, also represented the first district of Samar as a lawmaker from 2010 to 2015. During his tenure in Congress, he played a pivotal role as one of the principal authors of House Bill No. 4994. This legislation proposed the creation of a new autonomous political entity in Muslim Mindanao to replace the then Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), significantly influencing subsequent peace frameworks that led to the establishment of BARMM under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
Key Involvement in Peace Process Milestones
Beyond his legislative contributions, Sarmiento was actively engaged in the deliberations of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), a landmark achievement in the Mindanao peace process. BARMM officials have emphasized that his combined expertise in legislation, governance, and executive leadership is anticipated to fortify and accelerate ongoing peace and development initiatives across the region.
Widespread Endorsement from Regional Leaders
Maguindanao del Sur Representative Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu lauded Sarmiento's past roles as both a legislator and former DILG chief, expressing strong confidence in his ability to effectively execute his new mandate to advance peace, reconciliation, and unity. Mangudadatu further expressed optimism that Sarmiento will sustain and enhance the peace initiatives pioneered by former PAPRU Secretary Galvez.
BTA Parliament Member and Deputy Floor Leader Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo also conveyed robust support for the appointment, stating, "We welcome the appointment of Sec. Sarmiento. We are certain that his various experiences, both in and out of government, will bring not only a breath of fresh air in the OPAPRU but also new and fresh ideas and solutions to many of the challenges we confront in the implementation of this very important peace agreement in the Bangsamoro." Sinarimbo underscored the necessity of continuity in peace initiatives, urging the new PAPRU chief to maintain and strengthen existing programs in the region.
Additional Backing from Key Figures
Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. endorsed the appointment, welcoming Sarmiento's designation and expressing hope for enhanced coordination in advancing peace and development efforts across the Bangsamoro region. Former CT4T member and focal person of the Department of Budget and Management, now Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Budget and Management, MP Atty. Kitem Kadatuan Jr., also extended full support for Sarmiento while offering sincere gratitude to outgoing Sec. Galvez for his dedication to the Bangsamoro cause.
Gratitude for Outgoing Secretary Galvez
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) Minister Von Al-Haq, who serves as co-chairperson of the Joint Peace and Security Committee under the GPH-MILF Peace Mechanism, conveyed a message of appreciation to outgoing OPAPRU Sec. Galvez. He stated, "Maraming salamat sa outgoing sec ng OPAPRU, Sir Carlito Galvez Jr., for the efforts you have sincerely shared to the GPH-MILF Peace Table which became the bed-rock foundation of the peace process. It's a living legacy and hoping that the successor will do the same, if not the best."
The collective expressions of support and appreciation from BARMM leaders and stakeholders underscore a dual sentiment: profound confidence in Sarmiento's leadership capabilities and heartfelt recognition of Galvez's substantial contributions to the peace process in the Bangsamoro. This unified stance signals a strong foundation for continued progress in regional reconciliation and development.
