The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Thursday condemned the deadly armed violence in North Cotabato that left seven people dead and forced residents to flee their homes.
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government is “deeply saddened” by the incident, which occurred in Kidapawan City.
“No dispute, regardless of its history or complexity, justifies the taking of human lives,” Galvez said as he extended condolences to the families of the victims.
Authorities reported that the clashes displaced several families who left their communities due to fear, disrupting local peace efforts and inflicting “unnecessary trauma” on affected residents.
Galvez assured the public that the national government is in full control of the situation. “Our security forces, in close coordination with the local government units of Matalam and Kidapawan and the provincial government of North Cotabato, are currently securing the affected barangays to restore order and ensure the safety of the civilians.” He said.
Peace mechanisms such as the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) have also been deployed, working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to investigate the clash, prevent further escalation, and help resolve the conflict.
Galvez urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and cooperate with authorities, appealing to families and stakeholders to avoid retaliation and instead rely on legal and established conflict-resolution channels.
“Let us not allow disputes to turn to violence and undermine the stability of the Bangsamoro and its neighboring regions,” he said. “Justice will be pursued, and peace must prevail.”
