COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and a Bangsamoro lawmaker have welcomed the appointment of Mel Senen Sarmiento as Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, expressing optimism that his leadership will sustain momentum in the Mindanao peace process.
Mohagher Iqbal, senior vice chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and head of its peace implementing panel, said Sarmiento’s appointment comes at a crucial stage in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
“It requires the kind of governance experience that Secretary Sarmiento brings, including his understanding of municipal administration, regional development coordination, and national government and BARMM intergovernmental work,” said Iqbal, who also serves as education minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Iqbal, representing MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, said the group sees Sarmiento’s appointment as an opportunity to push for the “substantial fulfillment” of the peace deal and to strengthen the foundations of lasting peace in the region.
Member of Parliament Naguib Sinarimbo also backed Sarmiento’s appointment. He called the appointment “fitting and strategic” at a “critical juncture” for the Bangsamoro transition.
Sinarimbo cited Sarmiento’s familiarity with the peace process, including his role in deliberations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law and his stint as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
He stressed the need for steady leadership to protect gains from years of negotiations and reforms, highlighting priorities such as advancing inclusive peace across communities, ensuring full implementation of agreements, and sustaining institutional reforms.
“The period we are in right now calls on us to protect and build upon the progress we have achieved for the Bangsamoro and for the nation as a whole,” Sinarimbo said.
Both the MILF and Sinarimbo also paid tribute to outgoing peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. for his contributions.
Iqbal described Galvez as “not merely an official, but a partner” during critical years of implementation, citing milestones such as the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the start of decommissioning efforts.
Sinarimbo, meanwhile, credited Galvez with strengthening normalization, building trust among stakeholders, and steering the peace process through complex challenges.
With Sarmiento now leading the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, both the MILF and Bangsamoro leaders signaled readiness to work with the national government to sustain peace gains and push forward the full implementation of agreements in the region.
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