BARMM peace process takes center stage as Palace expands global partnerships

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MANILA, Philippines — Malacanang has intensified efforts to expand global partnerships as the Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP), through the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN), engaged the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York for coordinated efforts in implementing the Bangsamoro comprehensive agreement and the peace process.

The meeting focused on updates and coordination works supporting the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and advancing the peace process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The engagement is part of the government’s continuing initiative to strengthen coordination with international partners. It also aims to identify areas of support from the UN system and member states in promoting key deliverables under the Bangsamoro peace process.

Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. said the delegation’s visit sought to enhance collaboration with the UN and its member states. The goal is to accelerate programs under the CAB, the landmark accord that guides the normalization process between the government and former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants.

One of the central activities during the visit was a courtesy call and briefing with the Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN. During this session, the OSAP provided detailed updates on the current status of the Bangsamoro peace process. The briefing also highlighted priority deliverables under the normalization track.

The discussions further explored practical avenues for UN-system support in peacebuilding initiatives in Mindanao.

These included potential technical assistance, strategic partnerships and resource mobilization efforts that align with the Philippines’ national peace and development priorities.

Lagdameo said  the engagement was intended to harmonize policy messaging and reinforce international support for the Bangsamoro peace process. He noted the importance of advancing normalization measures that include socio-economic support, security transitions, and community development in former conflict-affected areas.

The meeting was organized by the OSAP through the ICCMN, which functions as the government’s platform for coordinating inter-agency efforts. It specifically supports the implementation of normalization commitments under the CAB, under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Palace officials underscored that sustained international cooperation is vital to maintain the gains achieved in the peace process. Such partnerships are seen as key in assisting BARMM communities in their transition toward long-term stability and inclusive development.

The OSAP has reiterated its commitment to continuous engagement with international partners. Through these collaborations, the office seeks to enhance capacity-building, resource mobilization and technical assistance, all contributing to the ongoing peace and development efforts in Mindanao. (Contributed story)