03 June 2025 (Baloi, Lanao del Norte) – To further strengthen the government’s advocacy on the Amnesty Program offered through Executive Order (EO) 47 of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stakeholders from both the government and the civil society sector actively work hand in hand in a concerted effort towards the promotion of the nation’s peace agenda. These partnerships have been very crucial in promoting the reach of projects and initiatives that aim to alleviate the lives and socio-economic conditions of its citizenry. Peace and development have always been on the forefront of the nation’s consciousness, making these collaborations pivotal and significant.

The Information, Education & Communication (IEC) Campaign held in Baloi, Lanao del Norte is proof of these inspiring collaborations. To reach former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) of the 123rd Base Command in Tagoloan, Lanao del Norte, Member of Parliament (MP) Sultan Abdullah “Bravo” Macapaar, the Commander of the MILF’s North Western Mindanao Front (NWMF) graciously hosted the IEC campaign at his very own Peace Center in Baloi. This warm welcome sends a strong message of support to the government’s amnesty program and reiterates our collective hopes for peace and unity across ethnicity, culture and religion.

MP Bravo stated his hopes “….that the government will grant amnesty to all MILF and MNLF members, so that they can find decent jobs and that the Muslim community (commanders and combatants) will be given the chance to help in society regardless of religion, whether Christian or Muslim…. to maintain peace and order not only in Lanao but throughout the country.” He also stressed that as Filipinos, we should all help each other in fighting for our country, especially from looming external threats.

Expressing the sentiments of most of the applicants, he also wishes that most, if not all, of the cases filed will qualify for amnesty, but understands that everyone must adhere to the conditions set in Proclamations 403, 404, 405 and 406 under EO 47.

BARMM Peace, Security & Reconciliation Office (PSRO) Executive Director Anwar Alamada was also present and expressed his hopes for the fast delivery of the amnesty program and the prioritization of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the application process.

The event proved to be a fruitful exchange of ideas, information and shared sentiments that could help bridge the gaps for an effective delivery of EO 47 and in bringing everyone together under a unified cause.

Gracing the activity are DILG 10 Regional Director Bruce Colao, DILG Lanao del Norte Provincial Director Edward G. Bhagwani; PNP Lanao del Norte represented by PLTCOL Cadapi P. Dansal, AFP 42nd Mechanized Company Commanding Officer CPT Raymund D. Macandili PA, the local government of Baloi represented by PESO Manager Mujahid S. Abdul Jalil , OPAPRU Technical Consultant Mohamad Musa Sanguila, NP Field Director Xarifa Lao-Sanguila and OPAPRU representative Vincent Fariñas.