CAMP DARAPANAN, Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte – In a significant move toward ensuring peaceful and credible elections in the Bangsamoro region, senior officials from the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed the Guidelines for Mutual Understanding and Activation of the Peace Mechanism on April 29, 2025.
The signing, held at the MILF’s Camp Darapanan, was witnessed by high-ranking military and police officials, election authorities, and representatives from both peace panels. The event marked a reaffirmation of the continuing collaboration between the GPH and MILF, particularly through the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).
Brig. Gen. Patricio Ruben Amata (Acting Chairman, GPH-CCCH), P/Maj. Gen. Romaldo Bayting (Chairman, GPH-AHJAG), Hon. Butch Malang (Chairman, MILF-CCCH), and Director Anwar Alamada (Chairman, MILF-AHJAG) led the signing. The agreement includes the activation of a Quick Response Team (QRT) under the GPH-MILF Peace Mechanism, designed to swiftly address any ceasefire violations and prevent election-related violence.
Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Commander Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete and Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran expressed strong support for the initiative. “This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to peace as we approach the national and local elections,” said Lt. Gen. Nafarrete. “These collaborative efforts are not only about resolving conflict—they are also about building trust, fostering mutual respect, and solidifying our shared vision for lasting peace.”
Maj. Gen. Gumiran echoed this sentiment, noting that the QRT’s activation is a proactive measure to prevent potential disruptions during the May 12, 2025 elections.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) also showed firm backing for the peace initiative. Atty. Ray E. Sumalipao, along with Provincial Election Supervisors Atty. Allan C. Kadon (Maguindanao del Sur), Atty. Mohammad Nabil Mutia (Maguindanao del Norte), and Atty. Ellis L. Miguel (Lanao del Sur), were present to witness the historic event.
The ceremony was further strengthened by the presence of BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, MP Mohagher Iqbal (Chair, MILF Peace Implementing Panel), and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Cesar P. Yano (Chair, GPH Peace Implementing Panel).
Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) also took part, led by Regional Director PBGEN Romeo G. Macapaz, together with the PRO-BAR Command Group and Regional Staff. PBGEN Macapaz stressed the importance of unity in upholding peace: “This signing is a testament to our collective commitment to sustaining peace and ensuring that the democratic process is conducted in a safe, secure, and orderly manner for all communities in the region.”
The peace mechanism agreement reaffirms the continuing efforts of the GPH and MILF to maintain peace and security in Mindanao, especially during critical political exercises such as the 2025 National and Local Elections.