HISTORIC DEAL SIGNED BETWEEN GOV’T, MILF TO HELP ENSURE ORDERLY, PEACEFUL BARMM POLLS

A HISTORIC agreement to help keep peace and order in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during the May 12 National and Lcoal Elections and the BARMM polls was signed between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

Police Regional Office-BAR director Brig. Gen. Romeo J. Macapaz described the event as a “historic commitment to peace and cooperation.”  

The signing was held last Tuesday at the MILF Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.

Signed during the event were the guidelines for mutual understanding between the GRP-MILF’s CCCH and AHJAG, all aimed at reaffirming the government’s and the MILF’s shared commitment to peace, cooperation and regional stability.

“This signing is a testament to our collective commitment to sustaining peace and ensuring that the democratic process, especially the upcoming elections is conducted in a safe, secure and orderly manner for all communities in the region,” Macapaz said.

The PRO0-BAR director underscored the vital importance of cooperation and coordination between all stakeholders to uphold peace and ensure a smooth electoral process in the entire Mindanao region.

Macapaz said the signing of the guidelines for mutual understanding between the GPH–MILF CCCH and AHJAG for ceasefire-related functions stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering commitment to safeguarding the peace process, especially as they look ahead to the 2025 National and Local Elections.”

“Ang kasunduang ito ay nagpapakita ng kahalagahan ng pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa ng ating mga hanay. By working hand in hand, we can ensure that the electoral process will be peaceful, credible, and orderly—an essential foundation for the continued progress of our communities and the realization of lasting peace,” Macapaz said.

About 3,734 policemen that will serve as Special Electoral Board will be deployed to different localities in the five provinces and three cities of the Bangsamoro region for the upcoming elections.