Manila: Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento emphasized the crucial role of allowing citizens to elect their leaders as a means to resolve internal conflicts and stimulate economic development.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) chief drew parallels with South Korea and Vietnam, noting how these nations overcame significant challenges and redirected their efforts toward rebuilding and development. Sarmiento highlighted, "South Korea and Vietnam, each with their own distinct history and experience, demonstrate how sustained investments in people, institutions, infrastructure, and economic opportunity can contribute to remarkable national transformation."

Sarmiento further stressed the importance of peace in facilitating development, stating, "The experiences of these countries remind us of what can become possible when peace creates the space for development." He made these remarks during the signing of the Guidelines for Mutual Understanding between the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) of the GPH-MILF for Ceasefire-Related Functions.

Additionally, the GPH and MILF Peace Implementing Panels, led by Sarmiento and Mohagher Iqbal, committed to ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and credible conduct of the Bangsamoro elections. Sarmiento explained, "When peace takes root in every region of the Philippines, the government and communities can devote more of their energy and resources to what the Filipino people truly need -- jobs, education, health, infrastructure, investment, agriculture, and opportunities for young people."

He underscored the necessity of investing in human capital to enable every Filipino to become a productive citizen, while also ensuring economic independence and dignity for all. He remarked, "More importantly, we can invest in our human capital so that every Filipino has the opportunity to become a productive citizen, every family can work toward economic independence, and the dignity of every person is protected-not only in the Bangsamoro, but throughout our country."

Sarmiento concluded by asserting that the joint mechanisms of the GPH and MILF must remain impartial, stating that their role is to create an environment for free and fair political choice, free from fear, coercion, intimidation, or violence.