President Marcos assured that his administration is committed to attain lasting peace and development in southern Philippines and the whole country by carrying out all signed peace agreements with various rebel groups.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. leads the opening of the National Peace Consciousness Month (NPCM) and commemoration of the 28th Anniversary of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) at the Malacañan Palace on Monday, Sept. 02, 2024. (Yummie Dingding/PPA Pool)
“Rest assured that you can depend on this administration to implement all signed peace agreements for the security, [the] inclusive progress, and stability not only in Mindanao but throughout [our] country,” the Chief Executive said on Monday, Sept. 2.
“The peace processes with former revolutionary organizations such as the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army, and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group – now known as KAPATIRAN, are now in the advanced stages of implementation,” he shared.
The President delivered a speech during the opening of the National Peace Consciousness Month (NPCM) and the commemoration of the 28th anniversary of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) at the Malacañan Palace.
Apart from the various peace pacts, the government is also in the process of implementing the Transformation Program, which aims to uplift the socio-economic conditions of MNLF combatants, their families, and communities by reintegrating them into the society and making government aid and benefits accessible to them.
Marcos urged various sectors to continue working closely with all stakeholders in the region “towards an accountable, transparent, and people-centered governance in the Bangsamoro.”
In his speech, he also urged the MNLF and other stakeholders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to ensure the peaceful and successful conduct of polls.
“I also call on the MNLF and other stakeholders of BARMM to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and credible conduct of the 1st Bangsamoro Elections next year,” he said.
“The forthcoming election is an important reminder not only of the democracy that empowers us to mold our destinies but also of the visionaries who paved the way for the freedom that we [all] relish today,” the President added.
The first parliamentary elections in BARMM will be held in May 2025.
Meanwhile, Marcos also thanked the MNLF for helping the government in its anti-terrorism and anti-insurgency campaigns in Mindanao.
“I extend my gratitude to the men and women of the MNLF, under the leadership of Chair Nur Misuari and Chair Muslimin Sema, for your steadfast commitment as natural allies of this administration and of course, as our brothers, [our partners], and sisters in peace,” he said.
“Let me recognize your support in our anti-terrorism campaign, particularly in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, where insurgency was among its foremost concerns. We also acknowledge our international partners. We would not have progressed this far without your help, [without your] guidance," the Chief Executive stressed.
In time for the commemoration of Peace Month this September, the President is hopeful that the country can transform to a more “inclusive, peaceful, and progressive society” as the government seeks lasting peace among communities.
“For us to move forward as a strong, undivided nation, the government will continue to pursue a principled and peaceful resolution to internal armed conflicts, with neither blame nor surrender, but with dignity for all,” Marcos said.
“Together, let us build a more secure and dignified Bagong Pilipinas—where no one is neglected, where no one feels helpless, and most importantly, where no one lives in fear,” he added.