Lamitan City, Basilan Province (May 8, 2025) — In a significant demonstration of unity and peacebuilding, the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) joined the ceremonial signing of a pledge of commitment between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commanders to ensure peaceful and credible 2025 National and Local Elections.
The ceremony was held at the 18th Infantry Battalion Headquarters under the 1st Infantry Division in Lamitan City. The event marked a renewed commitment to protect the integrity of the upcoming elections, especially in MILF-influenced communities, by upholding existing ceasefire mechanisms and facilitating a secure environment for voters and election workers.
The agreement mandates both the GPH and MILF Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) to intensify their ceasefire-related functions. This includes ensuring unhindered access and safe movement for Commission on Elections (COMELEC) personnel, election materials, and security forces in areas under MILF influence.
High-ranking officials from the military and police sectors attended the event, including Maj. Gen. Leonardo Peña, Commander of the Joint Task Force Orion and the 11th Infantry Division; Police Maj. Gen. Romaldo Bayting, Chair of the GPH-MNLF; Brig. Gen. Patricio Ruben Primo Amata, Acting Chair of the GPH-CCCH; and Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade. Also present were Police Col. Cerrazid Umabong, Provincial Director of the Basilan Provincial Police Office, and local commanders and chiefs of police across Basilan.
Representatives from both the GPH and MILF sides of the CCCH and Ad-Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) also witnessed the covenant signing, alongside retired Col. Joel Mamon, Secretariat of the GPH CCCH and AHJAG, and MILF field commanders based in Basilan.
This event follows similar peace covenant signings held at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat on April 29 and Kampo Ranao in Marawi City on May 7. These initiatives highlight the growing cooperation between former adversaries, strengthening mutual trust and upholding the peace process while protecting democratic practices in Mindanao.
WestMinCom reaffirmed its dedication to supporting these efforts, underscoring its mission to provide a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for the 2025 elections—not only in Basilan but across the Bangsamoro region.
