Hajji Salik B. Abu “Ghazali Jaafar”

Ghazali Jaafar, whose real name is Hajji Salik B. Abu, played a pivotal role in the GPH-MILF Peace Process, significantly shaping the transition to peace negotiations and agreement implementation. As chair of the MILF Peace Negotiating Panel, Jaafar was instrumental in negotiating and signing the Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities on July 18, 1997. This ceasefire agreement was significant in halting further destruction and setting the stage for dialogue between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), marking the beginning of formal negotiations toward a comprehensive peace agreement.

Jaafar’s leadership continued to be influential as the chair of the 2nd Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) from 2017 to 2019. Under his chairmanship, the BTC wrote the initial draft of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), integrating the perspectives from various stakeholders to address the root causes of the Bangsamoro conflict. Jaafar’s profound understanding of the Bangsamoro cause and his political acumen became significant in garnering wide support for the enactment of the law. In 2019, as a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), he also played a key role in the transition of the BTC’s work into an effective and operational interim government as defined by the organic law. His leadership then became vital in the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). As chair of the second BTC, he adeptly consolidated the Commission’s efforts, reconciled diverse perspectives, and mobilized public support to successfully pass and ratify the BOL as RA 11054 in January 2019. His capacity to navigate the complex political and social landscape was crucial for the effective transition to the BARMM.

Throughout his career, Jaafar emphasized dialogue and negotiation over armed conflict. His leadership in the BTC involved a consultative process with various stakeholders, facilitating open discussions to address differing opinions. This inclusive approach was essential in navigating the intricate political landscape while remaining committed to the Bangsamoro’s interests.

Jaafar’s role in peace dialogues with the Philippine government established him as a trusted peacebuilding partner.