Manila: The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) called on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to continue engaging with the government on the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

According to Philippines News Agency, OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. emphasized the importance of the MILF's cooperation in a statement issued late Wednesday. He highlighted the peace process as a testament to the partnership between the OPAPRU and the MILF and stressed the need to honor the spirit of the CAB, which is founded on principles of jointness, bilateralism, and mutuality.

Galvez acknowledged the concerns raised by the MILF leadership but reminded them of the impact on the people whose lives are deeply affected by the peace process. He described the CAB as more than just a peace accord, referring to it as a sacred peace covenant. He emphasized that any delays create uncertainty for former combatants, their families, and communities involved in the transformation process.

He further stated that these individuals have made significant sacrifices and deserve continuous assistance from both the national and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) governments, along with other peace stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the progress achieved under the Normalization Track and accelerating peacebuilding efforts, especially in light of the upcoming BARMM parliamentary elections.

Galvez expressed confidence in overcoming temporary challenges through shared aspirations for a just and durable peace. He called for renewed urgency, determination, and heart for the sake of the Bangsamoro people and the nation's future.

He also noted a recent statement from the MILF Central Committee acknowledging the peace agency's positive role in facilitating the government's deliverables under the CAB. Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s leadership, the OPAPRU remains committed to advancing peace dividends in the Bangsamoro.

Galvez explained that OPAPRU's mandate to manage, direct, integrate, and supervise the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Process has guided their efforts amid challenges in fostering peace and development in the region. He reaffirmed the OPAPRU's support for the Government Peace Implementing Panel (GPIP), which acts as the bridge between the government and the MILF under Executive Order 158 series of 2021.

He added that while the selection of GPIP leadership is an internal government process, it should not impact the peace mechanisms or the collective efforts of stakeholders working for peace in the Bangsamoro.