Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte – July 18, 2025 — In a significant move toward peace and reconciliation, two previously warring groups from Barangay Bagoenged — the group of Barangay Chairman Hon. Moner Sepi Kamsa and the 128th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces–Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) led by Commander Tong Kasan — have formally signed a ceasefire agreement, ending hostilities that have long disrupted peace in the area.
The historic agreement was sealed during a final settlement held at the municipal conference room of Datu Odin Sinsuat, witnessed by top officials from the local government, security forces, and peace mechanisms, including Mayor Abdulmain “Baba” Abas, representatives from the GPH-MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
As a symbol of reconciliation, Chairman Kamsa and Commander Kasan embraced each other after signing the agreement — a gesture of unity that drew applause from those present.
Key provisions of the ceasefire agreement include:
- Mutual respect and non-aggression between both parties;
- Strict adherence to the ceasefire terms;
- Recognition of the grieving process for affected families;
- Assignment of designated focal persons to prevent miscommunication or accidental clashes;
- Oversight and mediation by the LGU of DOS, in collaboration with the GPH-MILF CCCH, AHJAG, PSRO-OCM-BARMM, MNLF, AFP, and PNP;
- Continued law enforcement actions on any existing or future incidents;
- Security monitoring of all proceedings by the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion and the DOS Municipal Police Station;
- Immediate law enforcement operations by security forces in case of violations.
Brigadier General Patricio Ruben Amata, Acting Chair of the GPH-CCCH, who spearheaded the facilitation of the ceasefire, lauded the courage of both parties. “As Mother Teresa once said, ‘There is no conflict that cannot be resolved through understanding.’ This agreement is a testament to the power of dialogue and commitment,” he said.
Mayor Abas expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders involved, particularly the 6th Infantry Division, the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Office, MILF-CCCH, AHJAG, and other peace actors for their collaborative efforts in facilitating the peace process.
The ceasefire agreement takes effect immediately and will be monitored by a neutral body to ensure transparency and full compliance.
This development is seen as a breakthrough in the broader effort to sustain peace and order in Maguindanao del Norte and could serve as a model for conflict resolution across the Bangsamoro region.