OPAPRU-Field Operations and Political Concerns Unit

08/05/2026

📸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.

07/05/2026

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.

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05/05/2026

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.

04/05/2026

Binibigyang diin ni Secretary MEL SENEN SARMIENTO ang kahalagahan ng pagpili ng tama sa eleksyon sa ilalim ng sistemang parlamentaryo sa BARMM.

04/05/2026

Presidential Peace Adviser MEL SENEN SARMIENTO thanked stakeholders within and beyond BARMM following a series of listening sessions, noting that the OPAPRU is now fine-tuning its systems. He also announced the completion of the vetting process for the new Chair of the GPH Panel for the GPH-M**F Peace Implementing Panels.

04/05/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨
May 4, 2026
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) expresses its appreciation to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for convening government agencies at Camp Crame in preparation for the forthcoming BARMM elections.
OPAPRU underscores that the conduct of an honest, credible, and fair election is essential to advancing positive peace in the Bangsamoro. This requires strict adherence to the rule of law and a fair justice system, where election laws are enforced and disputes are resolved impartially; strong institutions and social cohesion, where election bodies, security forces, and oversight agencies perform their mandates with professionalism and integrity; and the acceptance of the rights of others, ensuring respect for the people’s right to vote freely and to hold diverse political views.
OPAPRU calls on the Bangsamoro electorate to choose their leaders wisely. Under the parliamentary system, elected officials carry the dual responsibility of policymaking and managing ministries, working closely with local governments to ensure the effective delivery of basic services.
OPAPRU affirms that the autonomy of the Bangsamoro is anchored on self-determination. Through this election, the Bangsamoro people take a decisive step toward shaping a peaceful, progressive, and economically vibrant region, contributing to national development and a more prosperous Philippines.

29/04/2026

At a Command Conference held at Camp Crame on April 28, 2026, Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento highlighted the need for strong partnerships and mutual respect ahead of the BARMM elections. He noted that the primary goal is to deepen public trust and ensure inclusive development throughout the region.

At a Command Conference held at Camp Crame on April 28, 2026, Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. MEL SENEN SARMIENTO highlighted the need for strong partnerships and mutual respect ahead of the BARMM elections. He noted that the primary goal is to deepen public trust and ensure inclusive development throughout the region.

24/04/2026

The OPAPRU family welcomes Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento as the new Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.
​We are ready to work together to advance the Philippine's Comprehensive Peace Process and the transformation of former combatants. Towards a more peaceful Bagong Pilipinas! 🇵🇭

The OPAPRU family welcomes Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento as the new Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

​We are ready to work together to advance the Philippine's Comprehensive Peace Process and the transformation of former combatants. Towards a more peaceful Bagong Pilipinas! 🇵🇭

24/04/2026

The men and women of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) express our profound gratitude to Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. for his eight years of visionary leadership.
Under your guidance, the Philippine Comprehensive Peace Process has reached historic milestones. Thank you, Sec. Galvez, for your unwavering service. We wish you a fulfilling retirement and precious time with your family.

The men and women of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) express our profound gratitude to Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. for his eight years of visionary leadership.

Under your guidance, the Philippine Comprehensive Peace Process has reached historic milestones. Thank you, Sec. Galvez, for your unwavering service. We wish you a fulfilling retirement and precious time with your family.

17/04/2026

𝗦𝘂𝗹𝘂 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗪𝗚 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁-𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻; 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗮𝗽𝘀, 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀

PASIG CITY (April 10, 2026) — In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Technical Working Group (TWG) on the Sulu Transition convened on April 8 to accelerate key measures that will ensure a smooth, orderly, and well-coordinated transition of the Province of Sulu, pursuant to Executive Order (EO) No. 91, s. 2025.

The meeting, held at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), was co-presided by Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Acting Assistant Secretary Gerald Janda, representing Acting Secretary Rolando “Rolly” U. Toledo, and Deputy Minister Eddie Alih of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). They were joined by Sulu Vice Governor Sakur Tan and representatives from key national government agencies (NGAs) and Bangsamoro ministries.

Discussions focused on addressing critical budgetary gaps, safeguarding the welfare of affected government personnel, and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential services—particularly in health and education—throughout the transition period.

A key agenda item was the funding of Priority Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs) for the Province of Sulu under Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The TWG took note of the recent communication from the Office of the President authorizing the Bangsamoro Government to allocate funds and implement PAPs for Sulu in FY 2026, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules, and regulations.
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08/04/2026

𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐮 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬

PASIG CITY — Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur M. Tan met with Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. on Wednesday at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

The meeting was held following the session of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on the Transition Plan for the Province of Sulu, which was co-presided by DBM Acting Assistant Secretary Gerald R. Janda—representing Secretary Rolando U. Toledo—and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Deputy Minister of the Interior and Local Government Eddie Alih.

Both Secretary Galvez and Vice Governor Tan reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening peace initiatives throughout the island province.

Secretary Galvez emphasized that the OPAPRU stands ready to assist the provincial government in its transition, ensuring the process remains seamless and efficient.

At present, the OPAPRU provides essential secretariat services to the TWG in accordance with Executive Order No. 91, s. 2025. Signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., this directive officially integrated Sulu into the Zamboanga Peninsula, following the Supreme Court ruling excluding Sulu from the BARMM.

Vice Governor Tan thanked the national government for safeguarding the province’s governance and financial frameworks. He emphasized that this support is vital to keeping essential public services, such as education, social welfare, reliable and continuous medical care for the people of Sulu during the transition.