OPAPRU-Field Operations and Political Concerns Unit

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐄𝐂. 𝐌𝐄𝐋 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐍 𝐒. 𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎
𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄, 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐂 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

June 5, 2026

As the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) prepares for its very first parliamentary elections, its people are poised to write a new and exciting chapter in their history. The upcoming elections must, therefore, not only be viewed as a political exercise but more importantly, as a vital component of nation-building.

This is truly a defining moment for the Bangsamoro people to exercise their right to suffrage and choose the leaders they rightfully deserve. In doing so, they must vote wisely. A peaceful, orderly and credible election will lay the foundation for a stable government that can drive economic growth in the Bangsamoro.

Due to its vast potential as a commercial, investment and tourism, the BARMM can contribute significantly to our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and internal revenue. And with increased internal revenue collections alongside its Block Grant, the regional government will be fully capable of serving and uplifting the lives of the Bangsamoro people.

To ensure our collective vision becomes a reality, I am appealing to everyone to cooperate closely with our security cluster. We must ensure that our people are safe, secure, and will be able to cast their ballots without fear. This is the meaning of Positive Peace; when people are able to fully exercise their rights and chart their future.

Furthermore, I call upon our partners from the academic community and civil society groups to strongly advocate for voter education. This is to empower our electorate to choose leaders who will act not according to their personal interests or political agenda, but based on their true mandate, and that is, to improve the well-being of their people.

We respect and understand the political dynamics in the region. Healthy competition is a sign of a vibrant and well-functioning democracy. However, as we engage in this democratic process, we must keep in mind that our efforts must be aligned with the commitments we have made under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

As I assumed the post of Presidential Peace Adviser, our agency has now focused on implementing an aggressive catch-up plan involving all government agencies, as we look towards 2027. We cannot lose sight of the CAB’s spirit, and that is, to finally put an end to armed conflict and bring a just and lasting peace to the Bangsamoro.

Beyond fulfilling our commitments under all signed Bangsamoro peace agreements, our primary goal is to create the conditions when peace and development can take root in the region, improve the daily lives of families in the region, and achieve the aspirations of Ambisyon Natin 2040.

We want to see a Bangsamoro where every family has access to reliable transportation and infrastructure support; where every household can eat three healthy meals a day through sustainable livelihoods and jobs; where children can at least finish their K-12 education; where a robust healthcare system protects all citizens; and sustainable and enduring peace, which is the foundational bedrock, because without peace, none of the first four goals can ever be achieved.

Once the ballots are counted and the winners are proclaimed, I urge everyone to respect the results. In line with OPAPRU’s mandate, I urge all our candidates, parties, and stakeholders to reconcile. We must restore a stronger sense of community across the entire region, ensuring that everyone — including our Indigenous Peoples — is part of the development process.

Elections are temporary, but the Bangsamoro identity and our shared future are permanent.

For in the end, it is only through healing, reconciliation and unity that we can forge ahead towards continued progress, development, and enduring peace in the Bangsamoro and across our nation.

Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang Bangsamoro!

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗰. MEL SENEN SARMIENTO 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗶𝗱 𝗔𝗹-𝗔𝗱𝗵𝗮 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
27 May 2026
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh!
On behalf of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, I extend our warmest greetings to the Muslim community as you celebrate the blessed Feast of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha.
This sacred occasion commemorates the obedience and faith of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), whose story continues to inspire Muslims around the world to remain steadfast in their faith, especially during times of uncertainty.
In a world confronted by conflict, division, and hardship, Eid al-Adha is a powerful reminder of the enduring values of faith, sacrifice, compassion for others, and unity. It teaches us that true strength does not only come from one’s devotion to Allah, but from a willingness to serve others and work together for the common good.
While Filipinos may come from different faiths and walks of life, we are united by our shared values of empathy, generosity and selflessness. May the example of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) inspire all of us to become instruments of peace, understanding and solidarity in our communities.
Once again, our sincerest greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters on this meaningful occasion. May Allah continue to bless you and your families with peace, happiness, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak!

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗰. MEL SENEN SARMIENTO 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗶𝗱 𝗔𝗹-𝗔𝗱𝗵𝗮 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

27 May 2026

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh!

On behalf of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, I extend our warmest greetings to the Muslim community as you celebrate the blessed Feast of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha.

This sacred occasion commemorates the obedience and faith of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), whose story continues to inspire Muslims around the world to remain steadfast in their faith, especially during times of uncertainty.

In a world confronted by conflict, division, and hardship, Eid al-Adha is a powerful reminder of the enduring values of faith, sacrifice, compassion for others, and unity. It teaches us that true strength does not only come from one’s devotion to Allah, but from a willingness to serve others and work together for the common good.

While Filipinos may come from different faiths and walks of life, we are united by our shared values of empathy, generosity and selflessness. May the example of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) inspire all of us to become instruments of peace, understanding and solidarity in our communities.

Once again, our sincerest greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters on this meaningful occasion. May Allah continue to bless you and your families with peace, happiness, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak!

𝑬𝒊𝒅 𝒂𝒍-𝑨𝒅𝒉𝒂 𝑴𝒖𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒌 to the entire Muslim Ummah! 🕋 ☪️

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗰. 𝗠𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗼 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
18 May 2026
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) strongly appeals to all stakeholders, leaders, and communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to remain calm, focused, and united in our shared commitment to peace as the region is preparing for its first parliamentary elections on September 14.
Democracy is inherently dynamic and vibrant; as such, political parties are expected to present their platforms to the electorate, empowering voters to choose what is truly best for the Bangsamoro region.
My appeal is for the contending parties in Parliament to uphold the rule of law and stability. If there are contentious issues that need to be resolved, legal processes are available to address the current situation. I urge the parties to avail themselves of these formal channels in order to ensure that the hard-earned peace currently being enjoyed in the area is strictly maintained and protected.
Our collective focus should remain on achieving a progressive and economically developed BARMM, with development determined by its people - the very reason autonomy was granted - together with a block grant that is automatically appropriated and released.
The upcoming election on September 14 is not just a crucial component of the Bangsamoro peace process. It completes the political track under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), as prescribed in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). This democratic milestone should remain the primary focus of the people of BARMM as an important and historic step toward genuine and meaningful autonomy.
We encourage everyone to actively participate in the elections and vote wisely. The officials elected to the Parliament will exercise both legislative and executive powers, placing upon them the profound responsibility to help plant the seeds for a brighter, more prosperous future for the entire region.
We likewise appeal to the people of BARMM to extend their full cooperation and support to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and our security cluster. Under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., let us ensure a peaceful, honest, and credible election where all citizens are entirely free to choose their leaders.
The voice of the people is the voice of Allah. Peace be with the people of BARMM. # # # See less

🎥 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛: ​The first Parliamentary Elections are scheduled for September this year. A milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process.

​Newly-appointed Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, talks with Rappler’s Iya Gozum about OPAPRU’s plan of action for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the presidential peace guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro .

Rappler Talk: Making peace work in the Bangsamoro The appointment of Mel Senen Sarmiento as the new peace adviser comes a few months before the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro.As head of the O...

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿

In Cotabato, former rebels pin hopes on ‘transformation’ as OPAPRU pours P2.1-M funds for livelihood projects.

📌 See story in comments.

📸LOOK: Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. MEL SENEN SARMIENTO attends the 8th meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on the Transition Plan for the Province of Sulu.
The TWG meeting, held at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) in Pasig City, was co-presided by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Acting Secretary Rolando U. Toledo, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Deputy Minister of the Interior and Local Government Eddie Alih.
The TWG on Sulu was created, through the National and Bangsamoro Governments Intergovernmental Relations Body, following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the finality of the exclusion of the Province of Sulu from the BARMM in September 2024.

Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. MEL SENEN SARMIENTO welcomes the recent COMELEC resolution concluding the review of party registrations, which officially recognizes various regional entities and political organizations to compete in the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliament.

Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. MEL SENEN SARMIENTO welcomes the recent COMELEC resolution concluding the review of party registrations, which officially recognizes various regional entities and political organizations to compete in the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliament.

📌 See story in comments

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗻 𝗦. 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺'𝘀 𝟵𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁
05 May 2026

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) welcomes the encouraging findings contained in the Third Party Monitoring Team’s (TPMT) 9th Public Report, particularly those relating to the implementation of the Political Track under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), preparations for the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections, and the ongoing Amnesty Program for former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (M**F) combatants.

We share the TPMT’s recognition of the core principles of the CAB: parity of esteem grounded in mutual respect and equal recognition of identity; joint implementation through sustained adherence to non-unilateral action; meaningful self-governance anchored in BARMM-based decision-making and free from external interference; a truly democratic Bangsamoro political entity, including the conduct of credible and timely parliamentary elections; and the integrity of the peace process, upheld through the parallel implementation of its major components.

The OPAPRU likewise acknowledges the challenges identified by the TPMT in carrying out the national government’s deliverables under the CAB’s Normalization Track. The OPAPRU is committed to fully realize the provisions of the landmark peace agreement as directed by no less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

These include the rollout of interventions jointly identified for the decommissioned combatants, such as social protection, capacity development, livelihood assistance, and other community-based initiatives in their communities with the end in view of improving the lives of the Bangsamoro people.

Most importantly, our agency continues to strengthen and build on its partnership with the M**F leadership, following our highly productive meeting with M**F Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal.
Moreover, the vetting process for the selection of the GPH Implementing Panel Chair has recently been completed. With the forthcoming appointment of the new Chairperson, the national government looks forward to resuming its engagements with the M**F through its Peace Panel and the jointly constituted peace process mechanisms.

Moving forward, the OPAPRU is determined, more than ever, to working closely with its peace stakeholders to sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process, strengthen trust and cooperation among parties, and ensure that the aspirations enshrined in the CAB translate into lasting peace, inclusive development, and meaningful change for the Bangsamoro people.

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 MEL SENEN SARMIENTO 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺'𝘀 𝟵𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

05 May 2026

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) welcomes the encouraging findings contained in the Third Party Monitoring Team’s (TPMT) 9th Public Report, particularly those relating to the implementation of the Political Track under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), preparations for the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections, and the ongoing Amnesty Program for former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (M**F) combatants.

We share the TPMT’s recognition of the core principles of the CAB: parity of esteem grounded in mutual respect and equal recognition of identity; joint implementation through sustained adherence to non-unilateral action; meaningful self-governance anchored in BARMM-based decision-making and free from external interference; a truly democratic Bangsamoro political entity, including the conduct of credible and timely parliamentary elections; and the integrity of the peace process, upheld through the parallel implementation of its major components.

The OPAPRU likewise acknowledges the challenges identified by the TPMT in carrying out the national government’s deliverables under the CAB’s Normalization Track. The OPAPRU is committed to fully realize the provisions of the landmark peace agreement as directed by no less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

These include the rollout of interventions jointly identified for the decommissioned combatants, such as social protection, capacity development, livelihood assistance, and other community-based initiatives in their communities with the end in view of improving the lives of the Bangsamoro people.

Most importantly, our agency continues to strengthen and build on its partnership with the M**F leadership, following our highly productive meeting with M**F Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal.

Moreover, the vetting process for the selection of the GPH Implementing Panel Chair has recently been completed. With the forthcoming appointment of the new Chairperson, the national government looks forward to resuming its engagements with the M**F through its Peace Panel and the jointly constituted peace process mechanisms.

Moving forward, the OPAPRU is determined, more than ever, to working closely with its peace stakeholders to sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process, strengthen trust and cooperation among parties, and ensure that the aspirations enshrined in the CAB translate into lasting peace, inclusive development, and meaningful change for the Bangsamoro people.