MANILA, Philippine — Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento recently visited the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's (MILF) Camp Bilal in Munai, Lanao del Norte where he reaffirmed the national government's commitment to implementing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the Normalization Program.
Sarmiento's visit to the former MILF stronghold coincided with the monthly meeting of the MILF-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) Northwestern Front.
Addressing MILF leaders and community stakeholders, the official reiterated the Marcos administration’s commitment to delivering its obligations under the peace agreement and assured residents that concerns raised during the meeting would be acted upon.
Among them is the implementation of a holistic plan of action that includes the overhaul of the local agriculture system to combat poverty and improve the national economy, stressing the need for unified, large-scale planning over isolated efforts.
"We cannot afford a fragmented health system, and we cannot afford a fragmented agriculture sector. We need to consider scale. Instead of each of us planting whatever we please, we need a comprehensive plan where each camp focuses on a specific crop so that we can generate direct profits,” Sarmiento said in Filipino and English.
"We rely too heavily on imports. However, if we boost our exports and ramp up production to the levels seen in other ASEAN countries, the economy will stabilize and the peso will strengthen. When that happens, the prices of electricity and fuel will be the first to go down," he added.
The peace adviser likewise outlined initiatives to improve access to healthcare in remote communities through digital connectivity, including the use of satellite internet to support telemedicine services.
"Part of the reconciliation process is establishing a unified health system and consolidating our agricultural products. This is an effective way to foster unity,” he said.
Sarmiento likewise addressed security and legal concerns raised by the local commanders regarding uncoordinated law enforcement operations and assured the community that the government is now acting on these.
"We have already met with the Supreme Court and the Department of Justice. They agreed to expedite processes—particularly regarding clearances—and to be more sensitive to the culture of our communities during law enforcement operations, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble for our fellow citizens there," he said.
"We will also meet with the leadership of the PNP and the national security sectors to prevent uncoordinated operations," he added.