The Philippine Army and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Lanao have reaffirmed their commitment to work together in ensuring peaceful and orderly regional elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Commanders and leaders of the two entities vowed to protect the BARMM polls from any form of “external disruption” that could threaten the democratic process.
The bilateral collaboration was made during a meeting between Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., chief of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, and BARMM member of Parliament Abdullah “Commander Bravo” Macapaar, head of the MILF’s northwestern Mindanao front.
Barroquillo visited Macapaar in the latter’s administrative base in Munai town, Lanao del Norte, on Friday in a gesture of keeping the gains of the Bangsamoro normalization alive.
During the visit, both leaders agreed on the need to ensure that the BARMM election on Oct. 13 will be peaceful and credible.
Macapaar pledged his “continued support to the peace process,” underscoring that while his community in Lanao del Norte is not part of the BARMM election, they are “committed to help regional stability and prevent any disruption that may affect the polls.”
“We reaffirm our pledge to uphold the gains of the peace process and to prevent violence or intimidation that could undermine peace in nearby areas. The MILF stands ready to coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bangsamoro leadership, and local stakeholders to ensure that stability is maintained during the elections,” Macapaar said in a statement.
Barroquillo welcomed Macapaar’s pronouncements, stressing that the credibility of the BARMM election depends not only on polling sites within the region, but also on maintaining order in surrounding areas.
“The engagement aimed to reinforce the gains of normalization and ensure the safety of communities, and guarantee that the BARMM elections can proceed without external disruption,” Barroquillo said.
He said the Army’s posture was anchored on partnership and impartiality.
“Our role is to deter violence, protect communities, and support civil authorities in the conduct of elections while respecting humanitarian and human rights principles. We will maintain visible but neutral security presences, support rapid response capabilities, and coordinate closely with MILF counterparts and other stakeholders to prevent any incidents that could disrupt the electoral process,” Barroquillo said.
Both leaders agreed to sustain dialogue and cooperation to promptly address security concerns and safeguard the stability achieved through years of -.
The visit highlights the Army’s Tabak Division’s proactive support to national peace strategies under the Bangsamoro Normalization Track, while assuring the public that the AFP will remain a steadfast partner in securing the democratic process and sustaining peace in Mindanao.
Both leaders agreed to sustain dialogue and cooperation to promptly address security concerns and safeguard the stability achieved through years of peace-building.
