CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – The Philippine military and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reaffirmed their commitment to peace and collaboration through a Peace Forum held on February 27, 2025, in Talayan, Maguindanao del Sur.
Col. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Brigade, emphasized the significance of such initiatives in fostering a safer and more peaceful community for all.
“We welcome this opportunity to engage in a peaceful and constructive dialogue with our MILF counterparts,” said Col. Catu during the forum held at Mango Groves in Talayan, Maguindanao del Sur.
The event was attended by key military officials, including Col. Ricky P. Bunayog, Acting Commander of the 602nd Brigade; Lt. Col. Robert F. Betita, Commander of the 1st Mechanized Battalion; Lt. Col. Udgie C. Villan, Commander of the 33rd Infantry Battalion; Lt. Col. Loqui Marco, Commander of the 90th Infantry Battalion; and Lt. Col. Al Victor Burkley, Commander of the 6th Infantry Battalion. Representatives from the 1st Brigade Combat Team were also present. The forum also garnered support from local officials, including Maguindanao del Sur Vice Governor Hon. Nathaniel Midtimbang, along with Datu Ali Midtimbang and other Talayan municipal officials.
MILF leaders were also well-represented at the gathering, with the presence of Butch Malang, Chairman of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH); Anwar Alamada, Chairman of the MILF-Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG); as well as commanders and officers from various MILF base commands, including Wahid Tundok of the 118th Base Command, Azmi Casim of the 106th Base Command, Abdulhak Ibrahim of the 105th Base Command, and Arnold Makakena of the MILF-BIAF National Guard.
Brigadier General Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division, urged continued collaboration between the military and MILF to ensure swift responses to any security threats.
“Let us continue strengthening our coordination and cooperation to guarantee peace and security in our region. I extend my gratitude to our local leaders, the ceasefire mechanisms of the GPH-MILF-CCCH, and MILF representatives for their unwavering support of peace and development efforts not only in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) but across Central Mindanao,” Brig. Gen. Gumiran stated.
The Peace Forum served as a testament to the enduring partnership between the government and MILF, reinforcing their shared commitment to sustaining peace and progress in the region.
