August 20, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The withdrawal of the Moro Islamic Liberation Entrance (MILF) from decommissioning actions “has but to achieve the extent of being an election-related concern,” in line with Fee on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia, who pressured that the ballot physique nonetheless is carefully monitoring the scenario within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Area in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
However Garcia admitted that the MILF’s directive to its members might have an effect on the implementation of the gun ban in reference to the primary Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) in October.
Alhadj Murad Ebrahim, MILF chairman, ordered on Aug. 16 all MILF commanders and members to not take part within the decommissioning exercise initiated by the Workplace of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) with out his written approval.
Garcia additionally stated the Comelec is ready to coach a couple of thousand members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to function electoral board members throughout the BPE, a transfer meant to maintain Philippine Nationwide Police personnel centered on peace conserving features.
He stated the Comelec wants round 9,000 electoral board members to man 3,000 polling precincts on election day.
Palace peace adviser Carlito Galvez, in the meantime, downplayed Ebrahim’s directive to MILF members, saying it was inner to the group and that the federal government stays totally dedicated to the Complete Settlement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
“We consider an open and honest dialogue between each side is one of the best ways ahead,” Galvez stated in a press release. “We belief that each the federal government and the MILF are honest in upholding the CAB and preserving the peace beneficial properties achieved thus far,” he added.
Based on Galvez, among the decommissioning actions could be quickly suspended, though the OPAPRU is open to discussing with the MILF management which packages will be collectively applied throughout the interval with out violating the election ban.
An official, who requested to not be named, described the order of the MILF chief as a “harmful transfer,” particularly with regard to election safety.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., for his half, dismissed issues that his go to yesterday to Zamboanga Metropolis was in response to the MILF chief’s pronouncements.
“We got here right here to have a look at the scenario and to learn how to assist the items right here in order that they’re extra capacitated to carry out their mission. And one of many incoming main actions on this place is the BARMM parliamentary election,” Brawner stated.
He stated any deployment of troops within the area is supposed to help in making certain peace and safety. — Roel Pareño
