Manila, Philippines — September 8, 2025
Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. on Monday openly recognized the growing divisions within the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), warning that unresolved rifts could undermine the hard-won gains of the Bangsamoro peace process.
In an official statement, Galvez echoed the concerns earlier raised by former peace negotiators, saying the government shares the view that a fractured MILF leadership “would serve no one’s interests.”
“The progress achieved, from the negotiation phase to the current peace implementation, is a direct result of our collaboration. Any internal division within the MILF leadership risks undermining the broader aims of this historic peace process,” Galvez said.
He urged the MILF to take “immediate and decisive action” to prevent factionalism, stressing that the responsibility of maintaining unity lies squarely within the group’s leadership.
A Rally as a Test of Strength
Galvez pointed to the September 6 Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) Peace Rally, which gathered about 100,000 combatants and supporters, as evidence of the MILF’s capacity to manage its internal tensions peacefully. He described the rally as “inspiring” and “unprecedented,” noting that it reflected a willingness by MILF leaders to present a united front despite lingering disputes.
Political Analysis: Risks and Implications
The public acknowledgment of an internal rift by a senior government official marks a significant shift in tone, as both the government and the MILF have often downplayed divisions to project stability in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Analysts say Galvez’s statement reflects growing unease in Manila that leadership struggles within the MILF could destabilize the regional government.
The MILF remains the dominant political force in BARMM, with its leaders occupying key positions in the interim government. A fracture at the top could weaken decision-making, delay governance reforms, and embolden political rivals. More critically, deepening divisions may create openings for extremist groups to exploit, undermining security in a region that has long been vulnerable to armed conflict.
The government’s call for “moral influence” from past negotiators underscores the sensitivity of the issue: without unity in the MILF’s leadership, the credibility of the peace process itself could be questioned by stakeholders and the broader public.
While the situation on the ground remains “relatively peaceful,” as Galvez assured, political analysts caution that peace in BARMM is still fragile. The long-term sustainability of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro hinges not only on government support but also on the MILF’s ability to remain cohesive as it transitions from a revolutionary movement into a governing political force.
A Call for Collective Safeguarding
“Now, more than ever, our collective efforts are needed to protect this hard-won peace. This is our peace, and it is all our duty to safeguard it,” Galvez said, in what many see as both an appeal and a warning to the MILF’s top brass.
For now, the challenge is clear: unless internal disputes are resolved, the gains of the peace process may be at risk, and the future of BARMM’s political experiment could hang in the balance.