President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken another step toward lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro region by meeting with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders to advance implementation of the peace agreement, complete remaining commitments, and create more opportunities for Bangsamoro communities.

Marcos and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim discussed in a meeting this week the remaining steps to advance peace in the Bangsamoro, as well as to fast-track the region’s economic development.

In a Palace press briefing Friday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said among those tackled were ways to fully implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), with Murad reaffirming MILF’s strong commitment to continuing the peace process and the full implementation of the CAB.

Castro also said the discussion included accelerating programs that provide livelihoods and improve citizens’ quality of life, as well as completing the fourth and final phase of the decommissioning process for MILF combatants by 2027.

“Kapwa nangako ang pamahalaan at MILF na tatapusin ang mga natitira pang obligasyon at lalagdaan ang exit agreement bago matapos ang termino ni Pangulong Marcos Junior,” said the Palace official.

“Ang naturang hakbang sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at MILF ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagtupad sa isang kasunduan, ito ay tungkol din sa pagbibigay ng maliwanag na kinabukasan sa mga pamilyang matagal nang naghahangad ng katahimikan, seguridad at pagkakataong mamuhay nang payapa,” she added.

The government and the MILF also agreed to continue working together to resolve the challenges in implementing the agreement and to fulfill previously agreed commitments, said Castro, stressing true peace is measured not only by the absence of conflict but by the presence of a safe community, livelihood, unity, progress, and benefits to the next generation.

Under the Marcos administration, the nation is advancing a Bangsamoro with peace, unity, and a better future for every citizen, Castro added.

Last week, Marcos attended the first session of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament in Cotabato City, describing it as a “milestone in the peace process” in the Philippines.

During the Parliament’s first session, eighty elected Members of Parliament began the process of organizing the first regular Bangsamoro Parliament.

Marcos urged the members of the Parliament to “Never forget the struggle your people have endured. Serve with humility. Carry the hopes of many generations and honor their sacrifices through good governance.”

The BARMM held its first regular parliamentary elections on September 14 considered as a major milestone in the region’s journey towards lasting peace, democratic governance and sustainable development. Presidential News Desk