DAVAO CITY—In a resounding show of unity, top officials of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) pledged their full support to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s peace and development agenda for Mindanao.

This commitment was made during the 4th MNLF Convergence Meeting convened by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), which was held on Tuesday, August 13, this city.

During the meeting, the MNLF leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Government of the Philippines-MNLF peace process under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., particularly the full implementation of the signed peace agreements between the national government and the country’s Moro groups.

Strong GPH-MNLF partnership

MNLF Founding Chairperson Nur Misuari emphasized the importance of the strong partnership between the MNLF and the Philippine government.

“We say that the MNLF is a natural ally of the President in empowering our people to pursue greatness, recalling very clearly the statement of the late President Marcos Sr. who said ‘This nation shall be great again,” Misuari’s said in a message that was read by Atty. Randolph Parcasio, head of the MNLF Peace Coordinating Committee’s Sub-Committee on Confidence Building and the Misuari group’s official spokesperson,

“It is with great honor that we, the MNLF, have once again been able to participate in this endeavor to pursue peace and development efforts as a partner of the Philippine government,” Misuari said.

He expressed the MNLF’s gratitude to President Marcos Jr. for directing the OPAPRU to create new avenues for this partnership.

“For this, we express our thanks and gratitude to His Excellency President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Jr. for directing the OPAPRU to allow another window to be opened for this peace and development partnership,” Misuari said.

Parcasio conveyed MNLF Founding Chairman Nur Misuari’s unwavering support for the Marcos administration’s peacebuilding initiatives.

“Chairman Misuari has said very clearly that we will extend all creative efforts to help this administration succeed in its peace and development agenda in our country,” he said.

He likewise underscored the MNLF leadership’s alignment with President Marcos Jr.’s vision of empowering the Filipino people.

Full support to PBBM’s Bagong Pilipinas

Atty. Omar Sema, the Deputy Speaker of the Bangsamoro Parliament, speaking on behalf of Chair Muslimin Sema, conveyed the Moro front’s desire to actively participate in the first BARMM Regional Parliamentary elections in 2025.

According to Sema, the national government has the capability to help capacitate the MNLF as a socio-political group so that they may achieve greater success in the upcoming elections.

The MNLF leader also pledged his organization’s full support to the peace agenda of the President and realized the latter’s vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas.”

“Kami po sa Moro National Liberation Front, itaga ninyo sa bato, ay sumusuporta sa programa ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas para magkaroon ng Bagong Pilipinas,” he emphasized.

A meeting of minds

The convergence meeting was convened to introduce the new GPH Management Committee members headed by BGen. Buenaventura Pascual (Ret) to the MNLF groups led by MNLF Founding Chair Nur Misuari and MNLF Chair and Bangsamoro Labor Minister Muslimin Sema.

The gathering also served as an opportunity to discuss various areas of concerns such as security, socio-economic, amnesty and community healing and reconciliation, aimed at transforming the lives of former combatants and their communities. The meeting likewise explored potential areas for collaboration between the MNLF groups and the OPAPRU in these areas.

One of the critical agreements is strengthening of local coordination between MNLF groups and the security sector to achieve sustained peace and stability in the region.

The parties also committed to work together to implement socio-economic projects that will bring greater peace, progress and stability in MNLF communities and the rest of the Bangsamoro region.

PBBM’s steadfast commitment to honor all signed peace agreements

In response to the statements of the MNLF leaders, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr., stressed President Marcos Jr.’s determination to honor the commitments made by the national government in all signed peace agreements.

“In his most recent State of the Nation Address, the President reiterated that this administration would honor and fully comply with the government’s remaining deliverables and commitments under all our signed peace agreements,” Lagdameo said.

He also highlighted the importance of mutual understanding and continuous dialogue in resolving misunderstandings and conflicts.

“These exchanges are our primary instruments for peace, as there is no issue or conflict that cannot be resolved if we are all willing to engage in meaningful dialogue,” Lagdameo said.

“While the implementation of this agreement underwent numerous challenges over the decades, it has also produced many valuable lessons and significant gains,” he pointed out.

“Crucial here is our deep desire to build progressive and harmonious communities that will contribute to our greater goal of a prosperous, inclusive and peaceful nation,” Lagdameo added.

Peace and security, a collaborative effort

For his part, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman, Secretary Leo Magno, imparted that shared responsibility of all stakeholders is crucial to fostering peace and security in the region.

“Ensuring peace and security is a shared responsibility that extends beyond any single group. It is essential to build and sustain trust between our communities and the various agencies,” Magno said.

He cited the invaluable role of the MNLF leadership in sustaining and building on the gains of peace.

“In our journey toward peace, we must recognize and honor the dedication of those who have committed themselves to this cause,” Magno said.

“Chair Nur Misuari, Chair Muslimin Sema, and everyone gathered here, your efforts are vital in steering us toward a future of harmony and progress,” he added.

He also expressed gratitude to President Marcos Jr. and Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. for being instrumental in advancing the GPH-MNLF peace process.

“Together, we will build a legacy of peace, progress, and shared success,” Magno said.

MNLF’s key role in peace process

Galvez lauded the MNLF for its pivotal role in advancing peace and governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM.

“Your presence here today symbolizes your faith, dedication, and cooperation in bringing a just and lasting peace in Mindanao,” said Galvez.

He expressed deep gratitude to MNLF leaders, Chair Nur Misuari and Chair Muslimin Sema, for their significant contributions during the crucial transition period of the Bangsamoro government.

“It is through your cooperation and assistance that we will be able to further strengthen our coordination mechanisms and enhance our joint response efforts,” Galvez highlighted.

Galvez assured the MNLF of the government’s unwavering support in implementing strategies to resolve socio-economic and security concerns in MNLF communities.

He also asked for the group’s active participation in the upcoming National Peace Consciousness Month, which will highlight the 28th anniversary of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the Philippine government and the MNLF.

“The agreement symbolizes our ongoing commitment to peace, collaboration, and unity in bringing true and lasting peace and development to the Bangsamoro, Mindanao, and the entire country,” Galvez said.

The peace adviser also urged the two MNLF groups to come up with a convergence roadmap for the implementation of joint peace and development initiatives that will uplift the well-being of the group’s members, their families and communities.

“We need to identify key areas, and development projects that will be implemented in this program,” Galvez said.

Galvez said the OPAPRU will ensure the allocation of substantial funds under its PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program for the implementation of socioeconomic programs in the agency’s Peace and Development Target Communities. ###