Cotabato city: Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. emphasized the importance of consistently involving indigenous peoples (IPs) in the peace and development process. "When we say all Filipinos, we must always include our indigenous peoples and their communities," he stated, noting that their rich history and culture form the very foundations of the national identity.

According to Philippines News Agency, a consultative meeting was held on July 3 at Camp Siongco in Cotabato City to address the welfare and protect the rights of Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIPs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The meeting, presided over by Galvez, specifically focused on reported acts of violence against NMIPs in the region.

The consultation involved representatives from national agencies, BARMM ministries, IP groups, local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations, and the security sector. Several recommendations were proposed during the event, including an update by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the security situation in Datu Hoffer and collaboration between the Timuay Justice and Governance, PNP, and the Philippine Army to harmonize reports of violence against IPs.

Other recommendations included regular visits and dialogues in IP communities by the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines, proactive roles by LGUs in maintaining peace and order, and the establishment of an IP Desk by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs (MIPA) for security and legal assistance. Additionally, a mechanism for monitoring and case building, as well as capacity-building activities on advancing IP rights, was suggested.

Galvez expressed hope that the insights and recommendations from the meeting would translate into effective interventions to end violence against NMIPs in BARMM.