Joint Normalization Committee - GPH

On 14 May 2026, the Joint Normalization Committee represented by its Secretariat attended the Ceremonial Launching of the SALW-M Program spearheaded by the Local Government Unit of South Upi under the funding support of OPAPRU which was successfully conducted in South Upi, Maguindanao Del Sur, marking the initial step toward the full implementation of the program at the local level. The SALW-M Program was developed by Joint Normalization Committee in relation to its deliverable under the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro to manage the proliferation of loose fi****ms. The program involves coordinated efforts among the security sector, civil society, and other stakeholders to restrict the movement of loose fi****ms, encourage voluntary firearm turn-in, and promote community-based monitoring. The Program in South Upi also provides livelihood assistance to support beneficiaries and strengthen peace and social cohesion, while integrating gender-responsive approaches consistent with the Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

During the event, a distribution of livelihood assistance was conducted for the beneficiaries of the previously turned in forty-three (43) loose fi****ms under the program. Livelihood assistance distributed included ten (10) heads of cattle/cow, twenty (20) heads of goats, two (2) laptop units, two (2) grass cutters, one (1) set of carpentry tools, five (5) weighing scales, sixty (60) sacks of rice, thirteen (13) sacks of corn seedlings, eighteen (18) sacks of fertilizers, one (1) solar panel, and one (1) 1,000-watt solar power station. Furthermore, a ceremonial presentation of an additional forty-eight (48) loose fi****ms was also conducted during the activity.

Hon. Helen Benito Padua, Municipal Mayor of South Upi, delivered the welcome remarks and described the program as a defining moment for the Municipality of South Upi, emphasizing its significance in strengthening peace, security, and community cooperation in addressing the issue of loose fi****ms.
Minister Akmad Brahim, represented by Mr. Aliuddin Haron, clarified that the temporary pause in certain peace mechanisms should not be interpreted as abandonment of the peace process nor withdrawal from the commitment to normalization and community stability. He emphasized that the protection of civilians, prevention of violence, and strengthening of trust among communities remain shared responsibilities that cannot be suspended or postponed.

In his message, PCOL Michael John Mangahis commended the people of South Upi for choosing progress over conflict and encouraged the community to continue supporting the peace process, stressing that individuals who voluntarily surrender their fi****ms are taking courageous steps toward a better future. He further assured the community of the continued support of the government, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in ensuring security and helping communities achieve peaceful and productive lives.

Meanwhile, BGen. Michael A. Santos described the surrender of fi****ms not merely as the turnover of weapons, but as a powerful symbol of transformation and renewed hope. He emphasized that genuine peace is built through trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility, stating that the activity reflects the strength of the whole-of-nation approach where peace cannot be achieved by the Armed Forces alone, but through the commitment of every sector of society.

Likewise, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Sec Mel Senen Sarmiento, represented by Presidential Assistant David B. Diciano, Head of the Bangsamoro Transformation Cluster, emphasized that the SALW-M Program is a vital component of the government’s collective peacebuilding efforts, aimed at addressing the presence of unregistered and loose fi****ms at the barangay and municipal levels while demonstrating the strength of synergy and collaboration among the national government, local government units, security sector, and communities in building a safer, more peaceful, and progressive Bangsamoro.

Among the distinguished guests present during the launching were Presidential Assistant David B. Diciano; BGen. Michael A. Santos, Commanding General of the 603rd Infantry Brigade; PCOL Michael John Mangahis, Provincial Director of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office; Mr. Aliuddin Haron, Head Secretariat of the M**F Joint Normalization Committee (JNC); Director Ana Farina Pacete, Head of FOPCU; PLt. Albert F. Alarde, Chief of Police of South Upi Municipal Police Station; Ltcol Aeron Gumabao, Commanding Officer of 57th Infantry Battalion; PSSg Aratuc Maulana, JPST Team Leader; SFO3 Ronald Pojas, South Upi Municipal Fire Marshal; and PMSg Efren John A. Torricer, Team Leader of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙋𝙃 𝙋𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙡 𝙢𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙮 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢

LOOK: The members of the GPH Peace Implementing Panel met with the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) yesterday, 4 May 2026. They discussed the recommendations made by the TPMT in its 9th Public Report, as well as recent developments in the GPH-M**F peace process.

This is part of the TPMT’s 57th Monitoring Session in the undertaking of its mandate to monitor, review, and assess the implementation of all signed agreements between the GPH and the M**F.

𝟲𝟯𝟰 𝗘𝗔𝗣 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗦𝗨-𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC) through the support of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), in partnership with Mindanao State University (MSU) General Santos, has successfully released educational grants to 634 students who are decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (M**F) combatants or their next of kin.

Each student received ₱25,000, which was directly credited to their LandBank accounts.

The beneficiaries form part of the 900 target grantees for School Year 2025–2026 under MSU–General Santos. As of this writing, 634 students have already received their grants, while the remaining beneficiaries are currently being processed. The MSU-Gensan EAP Team continues to closely coordinate with the concerned students to immediately facilitate the second semester grants.

The Educational Assistance Program for Decommissioned Combatants (EAP-DC) is a flagship socioeconomic component of the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). It plays a vital role in supporting the transition of former combatants into their civilian life. As one of peace initiatives of the government, this promotes long-term peace and development through access to education, sustainable livelihoods, and community empowerment.

Through the EAP-DC, access to higher education has been expanded to approximately 4,000 decommissioned combatants and their families, helping address financial barriers and creating pathways for improved socioeconomic opportunities.

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗰. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗼 𝗚. 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘇, 𝗝𝗿.,
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗿 (𝗔𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻)

09 April 2026

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) joins the nation in honoring the men and women who laid down their lives during the Fall of Bataan, and celebrating the gallantry, resilience, and selflessness of our Filipino soldiers.

As we commemorate the bravery of our soldiers during one of the darkest chapters of our people’s history, the Day of Valor also calls us to reflect on the challenges our nation is currently facing. The lessons of courage, resilience, and sacrifice of our past and present-day heroes are a source of inspiration at a time when armed conflicts have erupted in different parts of the globe.

We are humbled to say that the Philippines has emerged as a beacon of hope during these trying times. With our country’s enduring commitment to fostering lasting peace and inclusive development, our nation’s comprehensive peace process has evolved and shifted its focus from ending armed conflicts to effectively addressing its root causes and transforming the lives of former combatants, their families and communities.

As we celebrate this year’s Day of Valor, may we all embody the spirit of heroism of our forebears, as we champion peace, mutual understanding, and solidarity in our families and communities. Hand in hand, let us work together to build a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous nation for future generations of Filipinos.

Maligayang Araw ng Kagitingan! Mabuhay ang mga Bayaning Pilipino!

The Joint Normalization Committee - GPH took part during the Tri People Peace Forum spearheaded by United Nations Development Programme under the ASPIRE SALW Project on 8 April 2026 in Upi, Maguindanao Del Norte. The GPH JNC Secretariat served as resource person to brief the participants on the Updates on Normalization. #

The Joint Normalization Committee - GPH took part during the IEC Development Workshop led by Nonviolent Peaceforce under the SUSTAIN Project on 22-26 March 2026 in General Santos City.

Inalillahi wa inna ilayhi i rajion

The Government of the Philippines-Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) mourns with profound sadness the passing of Bapa Abas Jerry Abubacar, a valued colleague and member of the M**F- JNC, who succumbed to cardiac arrest.

Bapa Jerry has been with us since the start of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Throughout the years of our work together, we came to know him as a soft-spoken yet steadfast leader from Davao Oriental — a man whose quiet demeanor belied the depth of his conviction and the strength of his commitment to the peace process.

He was a consistent and tireless advocate for the base commands outside the former M**F camps, working to ensure that these communities would not be left behind and would receive their fair share of the development programs under the normalization track. His voice in our joint deliberations was always measured, always principled, and always grounded in the lived realities of the communities he represented.

His passing is a loss not only to the Joint Normalization Committee, but to the entire peace community and the people of Davao Oriental and beyond who looked to him for leadership.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may the good work he devoted his life to continue to thrive in the communities he loved and served.

To his family and loved ones, and to our colleagues in the M**F, we share in your grief and extend our sincerest condolences.

ARIEL C. HERNANDEZ
Co-Chair

USEC. DAVE DICIANO
Member

DANILO PAMONAG
Member

READ: 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗽𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗣𝗛 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 (𝗝𝗡𝗖) 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗔𝗕

The normalization process must be fully insulated from the political dynamics that have repeatedly added layers of complexity to implementation.

The decommissioning of combatants, the delivery of socioeconomic packages, the transformation of camps, the management of small arms and light weapons, and the pursuit of transitional justice cannot be held hostage to electoral timelines, leadership changes, or partisan interests.

ARIEL C. HERNANDEZ
Co-Chair
Joint Normalization Committee - GPH