Cotabato City – January 29, 2025 – To ensure a peaceful electoral process, key representatives from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) gathered at Pavilion Hall, Pagana Kutawato Resto, Cotabato City, for the “Signing of Guidelines for Understanding between the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad-Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG)” for ceasefire-related functions during the upcoming May 12, 2025, National, Local, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections.
PCOL JIBIN M. BONGCAYAO, City Director, attended the significant event alongside PCOL REXMEL G. REYES, Acting Chief of Regional Staff, PRO BAR, and other provincial directors and dignitaries from PRO 12. High-ranking military officials were also present, including BGEN ROMULO D. QUEMADO II PN (M), Brigadier Commander of the 1st Marine Brigade PMC, BGEN MICHAEL A. SANTOS PA, Brigadier Commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade PA, and BGEN NASSER P. LIDASAN, PhD, PA, Chairman of the GPH CCCH/ADC, 6ID, PA. Additionally, ATTY. RAY F. SUMALIPAO, Regional Director of the Bangsamoro Electoral Office, MR. HARORO INGRAM, USIP Representative, and various members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF-MILF) were in attendance.
The primary objective of the agreement is to prevent election-related violence in BARMM, an area that has historically faced challenges due to political tensions and armed conflicts. By signing the guidelines, both the government and MILF reaffirm their commitment to maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring a safe environment where voters can freely exercise their rights without fear of intimidation or violence.
Another key component of the event was the activation of the Quick Response Team (QRT) by CCCH and AHJAG. This initiative will enhance coordination between security forces and ceasefire monitoring teams to promptly address potential threats or violations during the election period.
This agreement is a crucial step in reinforcing trust between the government and MILF, an essential element of the ongoing peace process. By demonstrating their ability to cooperate in securing the electoral process, both parties are taking meaningful strides toward long-term stability and peace in the region. The commitment to a peaceful election is expected to set a positive precedent for governance and democracy in BARMM.
With the guidelines now in place and the QRT activated, stakeholders are hopeful that the upcoming elections will be conducted smoothly, marking another milestone in the pursuit of lasting peace in Mindanao.
