MILF hails appointment of Sarmiento as gov’t peace panel chair

File photo of MILF vice chair Mohagher Iqbal (right) congratulating Mel Senen Sarmiento for his appointment of as presidential peace adviser. (Photo from Iqbal)

COTABATO CITY — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Wednesday welcomed the appointment of Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento as chairman of the government Peace Implementing Panel (PIP).

“His appointment inspires hope and reinforces confidence in the continued advancement of the peace process,” MILF first vice chairman Mohagher Iqbal said.

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“We express our sincere appreciation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for responding positively to the call of the people by reaffirming the government’s commitment to the full and faithful implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” Iqbal added.

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Iqbal is also the head of the PIP representing the side of the MILF.

He noted that the MILF, which forged a peace deal with the national government in 2014 that led to the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, is looking forward to the convening of the peace panels.

According to Iqbal, the appointment of Sarmiento comes at a critical juncture in light of the upcoming Bangsamoro parliamentary elections this September 14.

The MILF official was all praise for Sarmiento whom he described as “an excellent choice.”

Iqbal said Sarmiento’s leadership will be instrumental in addressing the challenges of the peace process, particularly in the holding of honest, peaceful, free, credible and historic Bangsamoro parliamentary polls. /apl

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