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MILF peace panel cites Sarmiento's appointment

Philippines | Mindanao

MILF peace panel cites Sarmiento's appointment

By Keith Bacongco

IQBAL and Sarmiento. (MP Iqbal photo)

IQBAL and Sarmiento. (MP Iqbal photo)

DAVAO CITY – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Peace Implementing Panel has welcomed the appointment of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento as chairman of the government’s peace implementing panel.

In a statement, MILF peace panel chief Mohagher Iqbal said that Sarmiento’s appointment comes at a critical juncture in light of the upcoming Bangsamoro parliamentary elections on Sept.14.

“We consider Secretary Sarmiento an excellent choice and believe his leadership will be instrumental in addressing the current challenges of the peace process, particularly in the holding of an honest, peaceful, free, and credible conduct of the historic Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections,” Iqbal said.

“His appointment inspires hope and reinforces confidence in the continued advancement of the peace process,” he added.

The MILF peace panel chief thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for responding positively to the call of the Bangsamoro people to reaffirm the government's commitment to the full and faithful implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

With Sarmiento’s appointment, Iqbal said that the MILF is looking forward to the immediate convening of the peace panels.

Iqbal emphasized that the MILF remains committed and sincere in fulfilling its obligations under the peace agreement. “We reaffirm our full support to Secretary Sarmiento as he takes the cudgel of revitalizing the peace process.”

Palace communications officer Claire Castro announced that Marcos appointed Sarmiento to the position on Wednesday, July 15.

Related Tags

MILF Mel Sarmiento OPAPRU Mohagher Iqbal

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