Newly appointed Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento on Wednesday, April 22, pledged to pursue “sustainable peace” following his designation as Secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

Sarmiento expressed gratitude to President Marcos Jr. for the “trust and confidence in appointing me as Secretary of OPAPRU.”

“We will work tirelessly toward the attainment of sustainable peace, bringing together communities, strengthening partnerships, and addressing the roots of conflict, as our contribution to achieving our shared national vision, Ambisyon Natin 2040,” he added, referring to government’s twenty-five-year plan to eradicate poverty.

The OPAPRU leads the government’s peace efforts, handling negotiations with insurgent groups and overseeing programs on reconciliation, reintegration, and development in conflict-affected areas, particularly in Mindanao.

Sarmiento was appointed to the post as the government continues to push for localized peace engagements. It also seeks to sustain gains from past agreements with Moro groups and to encourage remaining armed factions to return to the fold of the law.

He called for national cooperation to ensure these transitions remain permanent.

“Together, let us build a more peaceful, inclusive, and united Philippines,” Sarmiento said.

The new peace adviser has a long history in public service, having previously served as the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) from 2015 to 2016, and as a representative of Samar from 2010 to 2015. He was also the mayor of Calbayog from 2001 to 2010, and vice mayor of the same first-class city from 1992 to 1995.

The OPAPRU said Sarmiento’s background in local governance is seen as a strategic asset for the agency. His role will involve aligning peace initiatives with broader development goals which includes reducing poverty in conflict-prone areas and improving coordination among security agencies and local governments.

He replaced retired military general Carlito Galvez Jr., who announced his departure from OPAPRU after eight years last Tuesday.

Meanwhile, leaders in the Bangsamoro region welcomed the appointment of Sarmiento as the new head of the OPAPRU as they expressed hope that momentum in the peace process will continue under his leadership.

In a statement, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua said the Bangsamoro government is ready to work with Sarmiento.

“I hope to build a strong partnership based on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to sustaining the gains of the peace process, especially in the Bangsamoro region,” he said.

The Bangsamoro government is implementing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the accord between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which ended decades of armed conflict and led to the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“The Bangsamoro Government remains firm in its commitment to fully implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. I am hopeful that, under the new leadership, we can sustain the momentum and complete the remaining priorities of the transition, so that the benefits of peace can be felt by all Bangsamoro people,” Macacua said.

In Basilan, Governor Mujiv S. Hataman also welcomed Sarmiento’s appointment, citing the incoming peace adviser’s background in local governance.

“Secretary Sarmiento’s extensive experience in local government is a vital asset, especially as the region approaches its first parliamentary elections. His background ensures a grounded approach to governance that will boost the peace process during this critical transition. We look forward to collaborating with him to sustain these gains,” he said.

Both Macacua and Hataman also paid tribute to Galvez, citing the former peace adviser’s role in BARMM’s security and development.