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GPH, MILF peace mechanisms sign ceasefire guidelines ahead of BARMM polls

Residents in Sultan Kudarat look for their names from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) list of voters for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite at the Simuay Junction Crossing Elementary School,  January 21, 2019. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Lerio Bompat

MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE &mdash; Peace mechanisms of the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have signed guidelines to strengthen ceasefire coordination ahead of the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections on September 14.The MILF signed a peace agreement with the government in 2014. Coordination to avoid conflict is part of that framework while decommissioning of fighters and normalization efforts continue.The ceremonial signing of the Guidelines for Mutual Understanding was held August 31 at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Del Norte.The agreement seeks to preserve the ceasefire, strengthen coordination and mutual understanding between the GPH and MILF, and prevent conflicts or misunderstandings that could escalate as the region prepares for the polls.The guidelines cover the ceasefire-related functions of the GPH and MILF Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group.Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the first BARMM parliamentary elections represent more than the selection of the region&rsquo;s leaders.He described the polls as an important step in the political track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro), as the region continues its transition from a history of conflict toward democratic governance, stability and development.Galvez stressed that the ceasefire mechanisms must remain neutral and should not be used to favor any candidate, political party or group.&ldquo;Our mechanisms must never be used to favor any candidate, party, or political group. Our role is not to influence the political choice of the people. Our role is to help create an environment where that choice can be made without fear, coercion, intimidation, or violence. The ballot belongs to the voter,&rdquo; he said.He also called for vigilance and close coordination on the ground, particularly in immediately addressing incidents that could threaten the ceasefire.&ldquo;Keep communication lines open. Immediately address incidents that may threaten the ceasefire. Prevent misunderstandings from becoming armed encounters. Coordinate closely with appropriate security and election authorities, while respecting your respective mandates and established protocols,&rdquo; he added.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/9/4/adiong-says-upcoming-bangsamoro-polls-fruit-of-yearslong-negotiations-1132">Adiong says upcoming Bangsamoro polls &#39;fruit&#39; of yearslong negotiations</a></div>MILF Peace Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal said the upcoming polls should not be treated as an ordinary election, noting that they form part of the implementation of the CAB.Iqbal urged the GPH and MILF ceasefire mechanisms, security forces and other stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of the elections and the broader peace process.&ldquo;Kaya, alam natin, uulitin ko, &lsquo;sovereignty resides in the people through election,&rsquo; through election. We will do everything possible na gawin natin ito na makabuluhan at mag-succeed po, kasi this is one of the most important measures to see to it na &lsquo;yung normalization talaga kumakagat,&rdquo; Iqbal said.&ldquo;Kung kumakagat &lsquo;yung normalization, and election is one way really to determine that normalization is really holding. And for this election to be very credible, and that to demonstrate and reflect the true people, so kailangang pagtulong-tulong ito natin lahat,&rdquo; he added.Among the signatories were Police Brig. Gen. Jemuel Siason, chairman of the GPH-AHJAG, and Director Anwar Alamada, chairman of the MILF-AHJAG, along with other members of the peace mechanisms.Also present were Sarmiento, Iqbal, lawyer Mohammad Nabil Mutia representing the Commission on Elections, Western Mindanao Command Acting Commander Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, GPH-CCCH Chairman Maj. Gen. Patricio Ruben Amata, 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central Acting Commander Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, and Assistant Division Commander Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu.Army brigade and battalion commanders, Philippine National Police personnel, and other representatives of the GPH, MILF, AHJAG and peace mechanisms also attended the ceremony.The 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central expressed full support for the agreement.Bunayog said the guidelines would help preserve peace and stability in the region and support the peaceful conduct of the upcoming elections.Cagara, meanwhile, underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and coordination between the parties to help ensure peaceful, orderly and credible elections.Military officials also assured the public that security forces would remain professional, impartial and fair while carrying out their duties to protect communities and maintain security throughout the election period.The GPH and MILF said continued coordination and adherence to the agreed ceasefire guidelines form part of their commitment to the Bangsamoro peace process and to ensuring the safe and peaceful conduct of the region&rsquo;s first parliamentary elections.BARMM has five provinces, with 2,393,202 registered voters expected to cast their ballots in 5,212 clustered precincts across 1,186 voting centers on September 14.The parliamentary elections mark a key stage in BARMM&rsquo;s transition to a fully elected regional government under the parliamentary system established by the Bangsamoro Organic Law.<div> 44 LOOSE FIREARMS</div>Meanwhile, a total of 44 loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Datu Odin Sinsuat, weeks after the convoy of BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua came under fire in the municipality.The firearms were turned over August 31 in Barangay Bitu as part of efforts to curb the proliferation of unlicensed weapons and prevent violence, particularly as the election period continues.The surrendered firearms included four 7.62mm sniper rifles, 11 fabricated 12-gauge shotguns, 12 fabricated .38-caliber revolvers, three fabricated 9mm submachine guns, three .45-caliber pistols and three grenade launchers.Other types of rifles and handguns were also surrendered.The 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion said the initiative aims to reduce the number of loose firearms that could potentially be used in violence and other security-related incidents.The local government of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Commission on Elections, and representatives of the GPH and MILF ceasefire mechanisms participated in the turnover.Barangay chairpersons from 25 villages in the municipality also attended the activity.Lt. Col. William Sabado, commanding officer of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, said every firearm voluntarily surrendered represents a potential threat removed from the community.The Philippine Army&rsquo;s Armor Division, meanwhile, called on local governments, the security sector and residents to sustain coordination to help maintain peace and security and prevent violence, particularly during the election period.Authorities did not say whether any of the surrendered firearms were linked to the August 15 attack on Macacua&rsquo;s convoy.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/9/3/ph-gov-t-boosts-media-safety-for-barmm-elections-1718">PH gov&#39;t boosts media safety for BARMM elections</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/9/4/adiong-says-upcoming-bangsamoro-polls-fruit-of-yearslong-negotiations-1132">Adiong says upcoming Bangsamoro polls &#39;fruit&#39; of yearslong negotiations</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/9/1/marcos-vows-to-protect-bangsamoro-voters-right-to-cast-ballot-freely-without-fear-2201">Marcos vows to protect Bangsamoro voters&#39; right to cast ballot &lsquo;freely, without fear&rsquo;</a></div><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0T-q3o34RgQ?&wmode=opaque&rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>

Peace mechanisms of the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have signed guidelines to strengthen ceasefire coordination ahead of the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections on September 14.

Peace mechanisms of the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have signed guidelines to strengthen ceasefire coordination ahead of the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections on September 14.