COTABATO CITY — Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento has lauded all stakeholders in the historic Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE), describing them as the “defining milestone yet in the faithful implementation” of the Mindanao peace process.
He said a new dawn had broken for the Bangsamoro, 12 years after the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Sarmiento stressed that the milestone was especially remarkable as it marked the MILF’s first participation in the elections.
READ: Parties led by ex-rebels dominate BARMM polls
“It is a defining step in its transition from a revolutionary organization into a democratic political movement. It stands as a powerful realization of the transformation envisioned under the CAB: shifting from armed struggle to parliamentary democracy, with former combatants now stepping forward as legitimate political leaders and peacebuilders,” Sarmiento said.
“Despite challenges on the ground, you came forward with courage and conviction to choose your leaders, achieving what previous generations could only dream of: genuine, long-awaited political empowerment,” he told the Bangsamoro electorate.
“Through the ballot, you have demonstrated to the nation and the world that the region is fully prepared to chart its own destiny through democratic self-rule,” Sarmiento said in a statement after the poll body completed the proclamation of all winners at Camp Siongco, the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Tuesday night.
He commended the security sectors for safeguarding the electoral process with steadfast professionalism and resolve.
“Their vigilance ensured that voters could exercise their democratic rights freely, peacefully, and without fear,” Sarmiento said.
He also lauded the government and MILF ceasefire panels for their tireless de-escalation efforts on the ground, which were critical in averting potential outbreaks of large-scale conflict and keeping the security environment stable.
READ: BARMM polls: MILF chair proclaimed, calls for unity
Sarmiento urged the newly elected officials of BARMM to preserve the hard-won gains of the peace process.
“Honor the commitments you made during the campaign and work collaboratively to uplift our communities. Inclusive progress remains a collective responsibility,” he said, adding that the Bangsamoro people have spoken and that their democratic will must be honored.
“Now is the hour for healing and reconciliation. Set aside partisan divides and unite as one people in pursuit of an enduring peace,” Sarmiento said.
Sarmiento said that under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity and the Government Peace Implementing Panel, which he both heads, stand firmly alongside the Bangsamoro as it journeys forward on the path of peace, stability and development. /mcm
The post BARMM polls: OPAPRU chief urged winners to sustain peace appeared first on Inquirer.net.
