NEWS
9March
GPH, MILF meet to strengthen small arms management in Bangsamoro
- Mar 9, 2026
- Taher G. Solaiman
- HITS: 319
This meeting marked a continued effort to establish a structured, comprehensive framework for managing and reducing small arms and light weapons—an essential component of the Normalization Track under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
A Collaborative Commitment to Security
The focus of the session was to refine the proposed GPH–MILF SALW-M program. By consolidating input from both parties, the TWG aims to develop an operational mechanism that advances the broader security objectives of the peace process, including the decommissioning of former combatants and the dismantling of private armed groups.
The MILF delegation was led by Chairman Anwar Alamada, in his capacity as Co-Chair of the MILF TWG on SALW-M and head of the MILF-AHJAG. He was joined by key officials, including Deputy Local Government Minister Prof. Eddie Alih; Aliuddin Haron, representing Energy and Natural Resources Minister Akmad Brahim of the MILF-Joint Normalization Committee (JNC); Omar Bayao, representing MP Butch Malang of the MILF-CCCH; and Atty. Badrodin Mangindra.
Representing the GPH, Ariel C. Hernandez, GPH TWG Co-Chair and Chairman of the GPH-Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), led the delegation.
Attendees also included MGen. Francisco Ariel Felicidario III (Ret.), PCol. Jemuel Siason (Deputy Regional Director for Operations, PRO-BAR), and representatives from the GPH-AHJAG and GPH-CCCH.
Strategic Importance in the Normalization Process
The development of the SALW-M program is a cornerstone of the transition from armed struggle to peaceful political participation.
As the Bangsamoro region approaches key milestones in its political and normalization processes, regulating loose firearms remains vital for fostering long-term community security, preventing conflicts, and building public trust.
Participants emphasized that the ongoing refinement of this program demonstrates the shared responsibility and ongoing partnership between the GPH and the MILF in securing a stable and prosperous future for the Bangsamoro people.
Time in Cotabato
Most Read
