Maguindanao Del Norte & Maguindanao Del Sur – The Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) successfully conducted a series of peace covenant forums alongside the Philippine Army, Marine Corps, Philippine National Police, Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and political candidates. The forums, held on January 18, 24, 25, 27, 28, and 29, 2025, aimed to address election-related violence and present peace measures for the upcoming elections.
Promoting Peace and Commitment
On January 24, 2025, the peace covenant forum in Maguindanao Del Norte gathered political candidates from Talitay, Mother Kabuntalan, and Datu Odin Sinsuat at the 1st Mechanized Battalion Headquarters in Barangay Midtimbang, Datu Anggal Mitimbang, Maguindanao Del Sur. The event witnessed mayoralty and vice mayoralty candidates signing a Peace Covenant and Pledge of Commitment for peaceful and honest elections.
This forum was spearheaded by the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade Commander Col. Ricky P. Bunayog, acting brigade commander; 1st Mechanized Battalion Lt. Col. Robert F. Betita; Marine Battalion Landing Team-5 Commander Lt. Col. Lester Mark C. Baky; Police Regional Office-BAR Police Colonel Eleuterio Ricardo Jr.; MPOS representative Development Management Officer (DMO) IV Abdul Majid Nagamura; Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Mohammad Nabil Mutia (COMELEC-MDN); and Kaye Sison of the Non-Violent Peace Force from the CSO sector.
Expanding Peace Efforts
A similar forum took place on January 25, 2025, at the Marine Battalion Landing Team-5 Headquarters for Cotabato City mayoralty and vice mayoralty candidates. The 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, led by BGen. Donald M. Gumiran, PA, spearheaded the activity. Cotabato City Election Officer Atty. Dindo Maglasang, 1st Marine Brigade Commander BGen. Romulo D. Quemado II, Marine Battalion Landing Team-5 Commander Lt. Col. Lester Mark C. Baky, 6ID Spokesperson and 6CMO Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Roden R. Orbon, Cotabato City Police Office Chief PCOL Jibin M. Bongcayao, and MPOS representative DMO III Khomaide U. Abo presided over the event.
The forum was also attended by Ms. Kaye Sison of the Non-Violent Peace Force, Rev. Msgr. Benjamin Ariel Torreto of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, and Social Development Notre Dame University Director Mr. Joseph P. Fernandez.
On January 27, the peace initiative extended to candidates from Talayan, Guindulungan, and Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao Del Sur. The event was led by BGen. Donald M. Gumiran, PA, and attended by Atty. Alan Kadon, Election Supervisor for Maguindanao Del Sur, Col. Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Brigade, LTC Robert F. Betita, Commanding Officer of the 1st Mechanized Battalion, and 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division spokesperson Lt. Col. Roden R. Orbon, along with representatives from the Provincial Police Office-MDS, MPOS, and CSOs.
Continuing the Advocacy for Fair Elections
On January 28, mayoralty and vice mayoralty candidates from Datu Unsay, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak, and Datu Hoffer Ampatuan convened at the 90th Infantry “Bigkis Lahi” Battalion Headquarters in Barangay Kabengi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, where they signed the Peace Covenant.
The final forum on January 29 took place at the 6th Infantry “Redskin” Battalion Headquarters in Sitio Landing Fish, Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao Del Sur. Candidates from Datu Salibo and Datu Piang pledged their commitment to peaceful elections. The event was led by Maj. Saber G. Balogan, 6th Infantry “Redskin” Battalion Commander, alongside Lt. Colonel Al Victor C. Burkley, 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division spokesperson, and other key security and election officials.
A Commitment to Democratic Integrity
These peace covenant forums reflect the Bangsamoro government’s dedication to upholding democracy, ensuring a safe, fair, and honest electoral process. Through collaboration among government institutions, security forces, civil society, and political candidates, the initiative fosters unity, equality, accountability, and empowerment, safeguarding the democratic process while protecting the people’s right to freely elect their leaders.
