The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity congratulates the men and women of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as we commemorate the 26th Anniversary of the signing of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA).
The forging of the FPA was a major turning point and a shining moment in the peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the MNLF.
Since the inking of the peace agreement, we have witnessed how the MNLF has continued to walk the path of peace amidst the many challenges that seemed to threaten the gains achieved over the years.
It is worth noting that the MNLF has played a key role in the implementation of peace and security interventions in their communities, particularly by leading through example and convincing lawless elements to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law.
With the signing of the peace agreement, the MNLF has been actively involved in helping the government in Rido (clan war) settlements, empowering their women and youth through various peacebuilding effort, community organizing, and also played an active role in the mainstream governance aspect.
We commend the MNLF leadership for enabling your organization to stay the course and uphold its commitments under the FPA.
We are therefore very pleased to see that the leadership of the MNLF have vowed to work together under the banner of unity of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.
With the emergence of a new generation of MNLF leaders, some of whom are now members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the OPAPRU is confident that we shall be able to complete the implementation of all signed Bangsamoro peace agreements.
As we celebrate the 26th Anniversary of the 1996 FPA, let us be reminded of the lessons of the past so these may guide us in building on and sustaining the gains of peace between the GPH and MNLF.
In particular, there is a need for stronger collaboration between the government and MNLF in the implementation of the Transformation Program that aims to fully reintegrate the former combatants into mainstream society, uplift their lives and the welfare of their families, and build more progressive and resilient MNLF communities.
To the leadership and members of the MNLF, we commend all of you for your steadfast commitment to peace and for continuously supporting the national government’s efforts to bring a just and lasting peace for all Filipinos.
Mabuhay ang Kapayapaan! Shukran!###
