BANGSAMORO GOVERNMENT CENTER – The Bangsamoro Task Force – Ending Local Armed Conflict (BTF-ELAC) convened here on Monday, July 29, to discuss its new and expanded organizational structure, as well as direct the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to eradicate clan conflicts (rido) and all forms of lawlessness in the region.

In his opening remarks, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim underscored the BTF-ELAC’s alignment with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-nation approach to peace and security.

He acknowledged the region’s history of conflict and violence, while emphasizing the collective goal of achieving lasting peace and sustainable development in the region.

“This approach prioritizes and harmonizes the delivery of basic services and social development packages by the government, facilitating societal inclusivity,” Ebrahim stressed.

“The task force also aims to ensure the active participation of all sectors of society in the pursuit of our agenda for peace,” he added.

Approval of Organizational Restructuring

In a resolution, the Task Force introduced a restructured organizational framework aimed at streamlining coordination among key stakeholders and bolstering peace and security initiatives in the region.

The revamped structure features dedicated clusters focused on security, economic development, governance, strategic communications, and basic services, all of which aim to foster a comprehensive approach to peacebuilding and development.

Moreover, the structure clearly defines the roles and responsibilities for each component within the task force, ensuring accountability and efficient implementation of peace initiatives.

Eradication of Rido

The restructuring of the BTF-ELAC also comes on the heels of resolutions passed by the body to expedite the eradication of clan conflicts (rido) and other forms of lawlessness in the region.

This is seen as a crucial step towards building a more peaceful and prosperous BARMM.

Ebrahim expressed confidence that the strengthened BTF-ELAC will be instrumental in achieving lasting peace and sustainable development for the Bangsamoro people.

The BTF-ELAC issued a resolution directing the AFP and the PNP, with support from the BARMM government, to put an end to rido, lawlessness, and other situations of conflict in the region.

The task force’s membership was expanded, as a dedicated body was established to address “rido,” a prevalent issue in the region.

The resolution sought to expedite the arrest of individuals or groups engaged in rido, regardless of affiliation; address the root causes of conflict; promote social cohesion; and build more peaceful communities to attract investments and foster development.

According to Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, the AFP is fully committed to supporting the BARMM in its efforts to maintain peace and order in the region.

Gonzales also gave the assurance that the AFP will continue to work closely with the BARMM government, law enforcement agencies, and local communities to address security challenges and create a safe and secure environment for the Bangsamoro People.

Meanwhile, during the 3rd BARMM Quarter Regional Peace and Order Council Meeting, Atty Ray Sumalipao of the Commission on Elections discussed the preparations of the upcoming plebiscites in Maguindanao del Norte on September.

The plebiscites will be conducted in the municipalities of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Sultan Kudarat to create three additional municipalities.

PBBM’s commitment to fullfil all the signed agreements

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for BARMM, emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving lasting peace and development.

Galvez also highlighted the need for continued collaboration between the national government and the BARMM to address the root causes of conflict and create a more secure and prosperous future for the Bangsamoro people.

Galvez affirmed the national government’s recognition of BARMM’s achievements, stating, “The President is very much aware of the achievements of BARMM. One by one, all our accomplishments, including the different codes we’ve made and the different IGRB bodies. This is the manifestation of the good things happening in BARMM.”

He further highlighted the region’s economic progress, noting, “The Central Bank of the Philippines inaugurated a new building. Cotabato City is very blessed, other cities don’t have this. This means our cash flow is continuously growing. That’s a manifestation of the confidence of investments, also the commitment of the national government and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to really support the BARMM for its transformation for peace and prosperity.”

Galvez connected the day’s events to the President’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying, “The President’s SONA and our activity today are symbolic – it’s like we’re doing a post-SONA now. We continue it through our actions here in the Bangsamoro.”

He emphasized the unique nature of BARMM’s challenges and the national government’s recognition of the region’s progress and potential, stating, “In the last ELCAC meeting at the national level, we recognized the peculiar political dynamics in the BARMM, our clusters and lines of effort are different – totally different from the NTF ELCAC nationwide.”

According to the peace adviser, the national government also recognized BTF-ELAC “is better and more focused – concentrating on security, governance, strategic communication, and provision of basic services, which really support the transformation of BARMM into a peaceful and progressive region in the Philippines.”

“The national government also recognizes that all food products, including fisheries, more than 36% of the sources of fisheries, are coming from BARMM. That’s why we see good things happening to us now because our business sectors are really confident in BARMM’s current economic standing,” Galvez pointed out. ###