The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity OPAPRU highlighted major milestones in the country’s peace efforts, including the completion of the Cordillera peace process and the conduct of the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), during a media gathering Tuesday night.

Speaking on behalf of Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, OPAPRU – Eastern Mindanao Director Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña said the event aimed to update media partners on key developments in the Comprehensive Philippine Peace Process and express gratitude for their continued support.

Among the milestones cited was the Sept. 1 signing of the Agreement on the Fulfillment of the 1986 Mt. Data Peace Accord between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Cordillera-Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CLA).

Lapiña said the agreement signified the full completion of the peace process between the national government and the CBA-CLA, making it the country’s first fully fulfilled peace accord.

She also underscored the successful conduct of the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections on Sept. 14, describing it as a historic political exercise that was generally peaceful, orderly, and credible despite isolated incidents of violence.

“According to the Commission on Elections, voter turnout reached 84.34 percent, surpassing the poll body’s projected 80 percent participation rate,” Lapiña said.

She said the elections completed the political track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), marking the transition of the region from an appointed transitional body to a democratically elected regional government.

Another significant development cited by the agency was the Sept. 25 special meeting of the GPH and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The meeting, led by Sarmiento and MILF Chairperson Mohagher Iqbal, resulted in the approval of the Terms of Reference for a Technical Working Group tasked with developing a roadmap for the implementation of the CAB.

“The meeting reflected the continued partnership between the government and the MILF and their commitment to sustaining peace gains in the Bangsamoro,” Lapiña said.

Meanwhile, she also reported continuing efforts under the Local Peace Engagement (LPE) program through close collaboration with provincial local government units in implementing transformation initiatives for former rebels, their families, and their communities.

“Through the establishment and operation of Peace and Development Centers, local governments have been able to better plan, implement, and monitor programs aimed at helping former rebels become productive contributors to peace and development,” she said.

The accomplishments demonstrate continuing progress in the country’s peace agenda, Lapiña said, expressing optimism that more advances would be achieved in the remaining months of the year. (PNA)