(Photo courtesy of PCO)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders at Malacañan Palace on Friday, November 6, to reaffirm their commitment to lasting peace and the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos and MILF Chairperson Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim discussed measures to sustain peace and stability in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), following the historic opening of the first Bangsamoro Parliament.
The meeting focused on addressing remaining challenges in implementing the peace agreement and ensuring that commitments made by both sides are fulfilled.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the administration continues to pursue lasting peace in the region through dialogue, mutual trust and cooperation with the MILF.
Castro emphasized that peace efforts must go beyond ending armed conflict and translate into improved living conditions for Bangsamoro communities.
“Dahil ang tunay na kapayapaan ay hindi lamang nasusukat sa kawalan ng labanan kung hindi sa pagkakaroon ng ligtas na pamayanan, disenteng kabuhayan, pagkakaisa, tunay na pag-unlad, at pag-asang maipamana ito sa susunod na henerasyon,” Castro said.
She added that cooperation between the government and the MILF is intended not only to fulfill the peace agreement but also to provide greater security and economic opportunities for families affected by decades of conflict.
“Ang naturang hakbang sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at MILF ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagtupad sa isang kasunduan, ito ay tungkol din sa pagbibigay ng maliwanag na kinabukasan sa mga pamilyang matagal nang naghahangad ng katahimikan, seguridad at pagkakataong mamuhay nang payapa,” she said.
During the meeting, Ebrahim reaffirmed the MILF’s commitment to advancing the peace process and ensuring the full implementation of the CAB.
Both sides also discussed programs aimed at improving livelihoods and living conditions in Bangsamoro communities.
Among the key priorities was the completion of the fourth and final phase of the decommissioning process for MILF combatants by 2027.
The government and MILF likewise agreed to fulfill their remaining obligations under the peace agreement and work toward signing an exit agreement before the end of Marcos’ term.
The PCO said continued cooperation between the national government and the MILF is essential to maintaining peace and supporting development in Mindanao.
It added that sustained stability in the Bangsamoro could help encourage investments, create employment opportunities and strengthen economic growth across the region.
The Palace reiterated that the administration remains committed to completing the peace process and ensuring that its benefits reach Bangsamoro communities.
