PAYAO, Zamboanga Sibugay — Government efforts to advance peace, reconciliation, and normalization in Zamboanga Sibugay gained renewed momentum as Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Mel Senen S. Sarmiento visited the province, where officials highlighted initiatives ranging from housing assistance for former combatants to the voluntary surrender of loose firearms.
Provincial Director PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo was among the officials who welcomed and honored Sarmiento during his visit. The activities brought together representatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), national government agencies, local government units, community stakeholders, and peace advocates in a demonstration of their shared support for the government’s peace and normalization agenda.
One of the major activities was Sarmiento’s visit to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Housing Project in Barangay Taguisian, Mabuhay. Together with government representatives and local stakeholders, the presidential adviser assessed the project’s implementation and progress, particularly its role in providing socio-economic support to former combatants, their families, and communities affected by conflict.
The housing initiative forms part of the continuing normalization process, which seeks to translate peace agreements and government commitments into concrete programs that can improve the living conditions and livelihood opportunities of communities emerging from prolonged conflict.
Another significant component of the visit was the turnover of 66 loose firearms during a ceremony held at the Municipal Hall of Payao in support of the Localizing Normalization Implementation (LNI) Program and the government’s Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) management efforts.
The voluntary surrender of the firearms was described as an important step toward reducing the presence of unauthorized weapons in communities. By removing loose firearms from circulation, authorities and local stakeholders aim to strengthen community security and help create an environment more conducive to peace, development, and the sustainable reintegration of former combatants and conflict-affected individuals.
The activity also featured the Oath and Signing of the Commitment for Peace, during which participating officials and stakeholders affirmed their shared commitment to peace, unity, reconciliation, and cooperation. The pledge emphasized that sustaining peace is a collective responsibility requiring continued coordination between government institutions, security forces, local authorities, communities, and other stakeholders.
The 106th Infantry (Tigpanalipod) Battalion of the Philippine Army reaffirmed its support for government-led peace and normalization initiatives, emphasizing its continuing cooperation with partner agencies and communities in implementing programs designed to strengthen security and promote development.
The Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office likewise reiterated its commitment to supporting programs that advance peace, reconciliation, unity, and sustainable development throughout the province.
The activities underscored the government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach, which combines security, development, governance, and reintegration efforts rather than relying solely on military or law enforcement interventions to address the consequences of conflict.
Officials emphasized that lasting peace involves more than the cessation of armed violence. It also requires secure communities, responsive government services, economic opportunities, meaningful reintegration, and sustained cooperation among institutions and local communities.
The visit highlighted two complementary dimensions of normalization: providing homes and opportunities to communities affected by conflict while simultaneously removing firearms that could threaten their security.
From the construction of housing for former combatants and their families to the voluntary surrender of loose firearms, government and local stakeholders continue to translate peace commitments into tangible measures intended to build safer communities and lay the groundwork for lasting development in Zamboanga Sibugay.
For the 106th Infantry Battalion and the Zamboanga Sibugay police, continued collaboration with government agencies, local officials, community leaders, and peace advocates remains essential in sustaining the gains of the peace process and ensuring that the benefits of normalization reach the communities that need them most.