President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento as the new chairperson of the government peace panel for talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Sarmiento replaces former chair Cesar Yano and will lead efforts to fulfill remaining commitments under the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
He said his concurrent roles as peace adviser and peace panel chair will help align government efforts to advance the Bangsamoro peace process.
Sarmiento vowed to work closely with MILF leaders to ensure the agreement’s implementation is productive, transparent, and time-bound.
He also called for continued support from the Bangsamoro community and local and international partners in sustaining the peace efforts.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 16, 2026
