This commitment was highlighted during a closed-door briefing held at the 6th Infantry Division’s headquarters on March 14, as reported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on its official page at Facebook on March 31, 2025.

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. described the development as a “historic first”, noting that the DFA is now directly involved in streamlining international aid to better serve Bangsamoro’s priorities. To enhance coordination, OPAPRU and DFA will work closely to strengthen partnerships between government agencies and international donors, ensuring that foreign-funded programs effectively support peacebuilding, development, and normalization efforts in the region.

Galvez emphasized that with the unwavering support of international partners, the Bangsamoro peace process is steadily evolving into a global model for conflict resolution and sustainable development.

Ongoing Implementation of the Peace Agreement

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) continue to implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), a landmark peace deal signed in 2014 that laid the foundation for lasting peace in Mindanao. The agreement outlines several key phases, including the transition to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the decommissioning of MILF combatants, and the normalization process aimed at reintegrating former fighters into peaceful civilian life.

The normalization track, a vital component of the CAB, is progressing steadily, with ongoing decommissioning efforts for former MILF combatants. These ex-fighters are being provided with livelihood assistance, capacity-building programs, and economic opportunities to help them transition into productive members of society. The Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund, supported by international donors, plays a significant role in ensuring that the process remains on track.

International Support for Peace and Development

The international community remains a strong partner in the Bangsamoro peace process, providing both financial and technical assistance. Countries such as Türkiye, Norway, and Brunei actively support the decommissioning process, while Japan, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom contribute through development projects that promote stability and economic growth. The European Union (EU) has also been instrumental in funding initiatives that help former combatants reintegrate into society and enhance governance within BARMM.

The recent OPAPRU-DFA collaboration signifies the Philippine government’s continued commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the peace agreement. By ensuring that international aid aligns with the Bangsamoro development agenda, the partnership aims to maximize the impact of foreign assistance and further strengthen the foundation for peace in the region.