PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Mel Senen Sarmiento as the new chairman of the Government Peace Implementing Panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Malacañang said on Wednesday.
The new assignment will be concurrent with Sarmiento’s role as presidential peace adviser. He replaced retired military Gen. Cesar Yano, who resigned in February.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Sarmiento will oversee the advancement of the peace process with the MILF to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.
He is the sixth chairman of the government peace panel expected to drive initiatives toward achieving total peace in the Bangsamoro region.
Sarmiento possesses extensive experience and expertise in local government and public administration, making him well-suited for the position as the government pursues lasting peace in Mindanao, Castro said.
Sarmiento thanked the president for his trust and confidence.
"Serving as the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity while concurrently leading the government’s peace panel is indeed a big challenge, but it provides a seamless alignment,” he said. “These roles will complement one another as we accelerate our collective quest to advance the Bangsamoro peace process.”
He vowed to help the administration in doubling efforts in implementing the landmark and historic Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
"To the Bangsamoro people and our vital local and international peace partners: your unwavering support is the bedrock of this journey. I appeal for your continued, steadfast commitment as we walk this path together, shepherding a lasting and inclusive peace under Bagong Pilipinas,” Sarmiento said.
The MILF earlier called for a new GPH panel head to replace Yano, warning that the peace process was “in limbo.”
Sarmiento vowed to fulfill the national government’s commitments under all signed Bangsamoro peace agreements, particularly the CAB, the landmark peace agreement between the GPH and MILF signed in 2014.
The CAB has paved the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and its interim government, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.
