Galvez fortifies peace with Moros

COTABATO CITY — PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. sent his peace adviser to the southern Philippines this week to reaffirm his leadership’s commitment to fostering peace in Muslim Mindanao and strengthening ties with Moro groups.

Presidential Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. joined representatives from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in separate iftar banquets and lauded the dedication of both groups to the peace process.

MNLF Chairman Muslimin G. Sema and officials led by Mr. Galvez exchanged pledges to uphold the 1996 government-MNLF peace accord in when they met in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, MILF officials, led by Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, participated in iftar with Mr. Galvez and his delegation in Kabuntalan, in the same province. Iftar is the first meal after a daylong fast from food and drinks during the Islamic Ramadhan season.

The gatherings mark the Marcos administration’s proactive approach to engaging with the Muslim community and maintaining dialogue towards peace, with Mr. Galvez underscoring their adherence to religious principles in peacebuilding efforts.

“That was a very cordial gathering, something so essential to the joint peace initiatives of the MNLF and the national government,” Mr. Sema said on Thursday.

“Our two separate iftar activities together with representatives of the MILF and the MNLF were both very fruitful,” Mr. Galvez told reporters here. “I deeply felt their commitment to keep the Mindanao peace process going and their zeal to sustain the gains of the peace agreement.” — John Felix M. Unson