Newly appointed Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher M. Iqbal agreed to fast-track the normalization process under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) to strengthen implementation and address existing challenges in the program.

The meeting marked the first official gathering between the two leaders since Sarmiento assumed his post on April 22.

Both officials recognized the challenges and opportunities facing the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF as they vowed to work closely together to address implementation concerns.

“Now more than ever, let us be involved. It is time for our people to focus on economic and development activities, working together towards a more peaceful, inclusive, and progressive country,” Sarmiento stressed during the talks.

He explained that positive peace can only be achieved if the country has “a well-functioning and accountable government, rule of law and a fair justice system, low levels of corruption, strong institutions and social cohesion.”

Sarmiento added that for genuine and meaningful peace to firmly take root, there must also be an “equitable distribution of resources, respect for the rights of others, and access to education and economic opportunities.”

He said gains had been made in the peace process, citing improvements in the socioeconomic conditions of MILF members, their families, and their communities.

For his part, Iqbal underscored the importance of mutual respect, cooperation, and dialogue between the GPH and MILF, which he said are principles that will enable both parties to fulfill their commitments under the CAB.

The normalization track is a key pillar of the CAB which covers the decommissioning of MILF forces and the transformation of camps into productive communities. It also supports programs for former combatants and conflict-affected areas.

Last month, the MILF temporarily suspended peace engagements with the government following the resignation of GPH peace panel chair Cesar Yano.