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News5 Mindanao, Shrine Hills Matina, Davao City (2026)

17/09/2026

| UBJP-BGC COALITION REPORT CALLED FAKE NEWS; GOV. ADIONG EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR MACACUA

Following the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections held on Monday, September 14, reports surfaced on social media claiming that the BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC) and the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) would form an alliance to create the first elected Government of the Day, which will serve for five years until 2031.

A political party needs to form a coalition with other members of Parliament to secure a majority that will vote for the next Chief Minister, who will lead the regional government.

However, reports about a possible coalition between the two parties, some of which came from social media vloggers, turned out to be fake news and have no basis, according to the report.

This came after Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong, who is the Secretary-General of the BARMM Grand Coalition, Basilan Vice Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman, and mayors from their respective provinces expressed strong support for Interim Chief Minister and Member of Parliament-elect Abdulraof Macacua to continue leading the region.

Various local government leaders in the region have also expressed confidence in Macacua’s ability to continue the services he has started in BARMM and his efforts to improve the administration of the region.

According to Gov. Adiong, he believes and is confident that Macacua will receive the nomination of his fellow parliament members to become the region’s Chief Minister.

Adiong’s SIAP Party won six parliamentary district seats in the recent elections and is part of the BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC).

Meanwhile, in an interview, Bangsamoro Federalist Party spokesperson and Cotabato City District Parliament Representative-elect Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo said they now have a total of 32 fellow parliament members who won in different parts of the region.

He said the BFP’s main priority remains reaching agreements and forming coalitions with parties that share its goals for the Bangsamoro.

The BFP is also working on its possible coalition with parties that won in the 2026 BARMM elections. Discussions are already underway, including an outline of how many possible allies they may have when the Bangsamoro Parliament opens in October.

The BFP could potentially reach a total of 56 members through alliances with other political parties, which could give it a majority in Parliament.

Only 41 members are needed to form a majority in the Parliament.

Because of this, reports being circulated by some individuals about a BGC-UBJP coalition are being described as attempts to confuse the public and disrupt the process of forming the government that will serve the Bangsamoro for the next five years.

Bangsamoro residents are closely watching the coalition-building process and the actions of the newly elected Parliament members ahead of the opening of the Bangsamoro Parliament on October 30, 2026.

16/09/2026

| CHIZ WELCOMES SENATE’S APPROVAL OF BILL FIXING TERM OF BARANGAY, SK OFFICIALS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday thanked his colleagues for approving on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2387, which fixes the term of office of barangay officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to five years.

With its approval, the Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) originally set for November 2026 will be moved to November 2028, and thereafter held every five years on the second Monday of November to avoid conflict with the annual observance of All Saints’ Day.

“I am grateful to my colleagues for supporting this measure that will strengthen barangay governance and give our local leaders the time they need to deliver meaningful programs,” Escudero said after the plenary vote.

The bill was passed during the chamber’s session this afternoon, with 13 affirmative votes, 5 negative vote, and zero abstention.

Among the amendments introduced during the plenary debate was the limitation of service to two consecutive five-year terms for barangay officials, instead of three, while SK officials are restricted to only one term to ensure broader youth participation and leadership turnover.

Escudero, principal author and sponsor of the measure, explained that a five‑year term provides barangay and SK officials a longer, uninterrupted period to plan, implement, and evaluate programs before the next electoral transition.

“Barangays are planners, implementers, first responders, peacekeepers, and frontline service providers—all at a level where government interacts directly with households and families,” he said.

The veteran legislator stressed that the measure strikes a balance between continuity and democratic accountability, granting local officials ample time to complete long‑term initiatives without the constant disruption of frequent elections.

“Sa limang taong termino, mas may panahon ang ating mga opisyal na magpatupad ng mga programa at proyekto na tunay na makikinabang ang kanilang mga komunidad,” he concluded.

14/09/2026

| BANGSAMORO VOTERS CHOOSE PEACE AS ELECTIONS WEATHER ISOLATED TENSION AND SKIRMISHES -COMELEC CHAIR

Bangsamoro voters largely stayed the course on Monday, choosing to exercise their right to vote despite isolated incidents of violence and election-related tensions that tested the first parliamentary elections in the autonomous region.

The incidents, including deadly violence in Cotabato City and the discovery of pre-shaded ballots in Maluso, Basilan, cast a shadow over the historic exercise but did not derail the broader conduct of voting across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, according to Commission on Election chair George Garcia.

The Comelec reported that 98.1 percent of polling precincts opened successfully, reinforcing early assessments that the election machinery remained operational despite the security and logistical challenges.

Comelec placed Cotabato City under its direct control following violence that left three people dead and 15 others wounded before the polls opened, while Maluso in Basilan was similarly placed under Comelec control after pre-shaded ballots were discovered in 36 of its 68 precincts.

Instead of allowing the incidents to halt the electoral process, authorities moved to contain the problems, strengthen security and protect the integrity of the ballot.

In Maluso, Comelec ordered the reprinting of affected ballots, while voting hours were extended in Basilan to compensate for delays brought about by the ballot problem.

The Philippine National Police, meanwhile, maintained that the overall conduct of the Bangsamoro polls remained generally peaceful despite reports of shootings and explosions in some areas.

The developments underscored a broader pattern emerging from Election Day: isolated incidents generated tension, but the larger electoral process continued to move forward.

More than 20,000 police and military personnel were deployed to secure polling places and major routes across the region, with authorities emphasizing the protection of voters and the preservation of the electoral process.

The response also reflected the significance of the election beyond the contest among political parties and candidates.

The polls represent the culmination of a peace process that began with decades of negotiations and armed conflict and eventually led to the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the creation of BARMM and the transition of former rebels toward participation in democratic institutions.

For nearly 2.4 million registered voters, Monday’s exercise was therefore not simply about choosing representatives to an 80-member parliament but about demonstrating whether political differences in the Bangsamoro can increasingly be settled through the ballot rather than through confrontation.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described the election as a milestone in the region’s continuing journey toward lasting peace, democratic governance and meaningful self-determination, while urging voters to safeguard the integrity of their votes.

The significance of that message was underscored by the conduct of voters who continued to report to polling places despite the tensions in some communities.

The election was never expected to be entirely free of challenges in a region emerging from decades of armed conflict, political rivalry and underdevelopment.

“What reportedly became evident on Election Day, however, was that the problems encountered in particular areas did not automatically translate into a region-wide breakdown of the electoral process,” said a Comelec official.

Instead, election officials, security forces and local stakeholders were compelled to respond to the challenges within the framework of the law and established electoral procedures.

The election will determine the 80-member parliament, which will subsequently choose the region’s chief minister and formally replace the interim arrangement with an elected regional government.(END)

14/09/2026

| MALUSO BALLOT INCIDENT DESPERATE MOVE TO FRUSTRATE BANGSAMORO PEACE, DISCREDIT BFP -VICE GOV HATAMAN

The discovery of pre-shaded ballots in Maluso, Basilan was described by Basilan Vice Gov. Hadjiman “Jim” Hataman-Salliman as a desperate move by elements seeking to frustrate the Bangsamoro people’s aspiration for peace, prosperity and self-governance and discredit the Bangsamoro Federalist Party.

Hataman said the incident should not be allowed to undermine the historic first regular parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), stressing that the democratic exercise represents a major milestone in the region’s long transition from armed conflict to political self-governance.

His statement came after the Commission on Elections placed Maluso under its control following the discovery of pre-shaded ballots in 36 of the town’s 68 precincts, according to the latest election-day report.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia ordered the immediate reprinting of ballots for the affected precincts, resulting in delays in voting while election officials worked to replace the questionable ballots and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

Hataman said the development should be viewed against the broader aspiration of the Bangsamoro people to achieve lasting peace and build a government that derives its legitimacy from the free and genuine expression of the people’s will.

He described the incident as an apparent attempt to frustrate that aspiration and undermine confidence in the electoral process, adding that it could also be intended to discredit the BFP as a political organization participating in the first regular parliamentary elections.

The vice governor, however, did not identify any individual or group as being responsible for the incident.

There is likewise no official Comelec finding yet establishing who placed the markings on the ballots or determining the motive behind the incident. Any attribution therefore remains subject to investigation by election and law-enforcement authorities.

The Comelec’s decision to immediately intervene and order the reprinting of the affected ballots underscored the poll body’s effort to prevent the incident from compromising the larger electoral exercise.

The development is particularly significant because Maluso is among Basilan’s major voting areas, with 32,121 registered voters, according to preparations released by the provincial Comelec office before Election Day. Basilan as a whole has 248,245 registered voters, 1,571 established precincts and 534 clustered precincts across 210 barangays.

The province had entered Election Day after government officials, security forces, election authorities and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (M**F) leaders publicly committed to protecting a peaceful and credible electoral process.

During a September 9 activity in Lamitan City, government and M**F representatives signed guidelines intended to strengthen coordination between their respective ceasefire mechanisms during the election period.

Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman, who participated in the commitment, emphasized that a peaceful election requires not only the absence of violence but also the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.

The Maluso incident therefore comes against a backdrop of sustained efforts by provincial and regional stakeholders to prevent violence and preserve confidence in the first parliamentary elections.

For Hataman, the appropriate response is to ensure that the incident is thoroughly investigated while allowing legitimate voters to continue exercising their right to choose their representatives.

The objective, he stressed, should be to ensure that isolated incidents do not derail the larger democratic transition or revive the atmosphere of fear and conflict that the Bangsamoro peace process has sought to overcome.

The BFP is among the regional political parties participating in the parliamentary elections, with candidates contesting seats in Basilan and other BARMM areas.

The party’s participation is part of the broader transformation of Bangsamoro political forces from armed struggle toward democratic and parliamentary engagement.

The first regular parliamentary election will determine the 80-member Bangsamoro Parliament, which will subsequently elect the region’s Chief Minister. The exercise is consequently being watched closely as a critical test of the Bangsamoro transition and its commitment to democratic self-governance.

For Basilan and the wider Bangsamoro, the challenge now is to ensure that the Maluso incident is dealt with firmly but without allowing it to overshadow the larger democratic exercise.

The Comelec investigation, coupled with appropriate action by law-enforcement authorities if wrongdoing is established, will be crucial in determining accountability.

What remains equally important, Hataman said, is for voters and political stakeholders to remain calm and allow the electoral process to proceed.

The Maluso episode, while serious, should therefore serve as a test of the institutions created to protect the Bangsamoro’s hard-won transition to peace and self-governance - not as a reason to abandon the democratic process.

“The aspiration for peace, prosperity and self-governance must prevail,” Hataman said, stressing that efforts to frustrate the electoral exercise or discredit legitimate political participants should not be allowed to define the historic Bangsamoro polls.

13/09/2026

| STAKEHOLDERS SEE PEACEFUL AND ORDERLY BARMM POLLS WITH HIGH VOTER'S TURNOUT

With final preparations in place, and heightened security measures across the region, Bangsamoro stakeholders are expressing confidence that Monday’s first regular parliamentary elections will be peaceful, orderly and marked by a strong voter’s turnout.

The confidence comes as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao enters the final hours before the September 14 polls, with the Commission on Elections, security agencies, local governments and other stakeholders completing their preparations for the historic electoral exercise.

The election will bring more than 2.3 million registered Bangsamoro voters to the polls to elect the region’s first regular Parliament, a major milestone in the transition from the appointed Bangsamoro Transition Authority to an elected parliamentary government.

Comelec has said it is targeting a voter turnout of at least 80 percent, citing the high level of public interest observed during its voter-information and preparatory activities across the region.

For Maguindanao del Norte Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, the high level of public participation expected on Monday would demonstrate the Bangsamoro people’s determination to exercise their democratic right and help shape the region’s political future.

“Ang bawat boto ay karapatan at responsibilidad. I encourage everyone to vote wisely and peacefully, choosing leaders based on competence, integrity, and genuine commitment to public service. The future of the Bangsamoro is in the hands of its people,” Mangudadatu said.

Other local officials and community leaders are likewise expected to call on voters, candidates and their supporters to maintain calm, avoid confrontation and respect the outcome of the elections.

Member of Parliament Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo urged the Bangsamoro people to exercise their right to vote while calling on political parties to uphold peace during the elections.

“To all parties, let us make this election peaceful, democratic, and truly reflective of the will of our people. Fi****ms and violence should have no space in a democratic society,” Naguib said.

The call for peaceful elections is reinforced by the extensive security preparations of the government, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Comelec, BARMM government, local government units and other agencies coordinating security operations before, during and after Election Day.

The PNP has intensified its security operations in 108 areas identified by Comelec as areas of concern, while the AFP has reiterated its commitment to protecting voters and preventing election-related violence, intimidation and other threats to the electoral process.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also directed earlier security and law-enforcement agencies to ensure that the BARMM elections are peaceful, orderly and credible, with 8,299 PNP personnel deployed for election security and additional forces available depending on threat assessments and Comelec requirements.

Comelec officials, meanwhile, have expressed confidence in the readiness of the electoral machinery, with election materials already deployed and automated counting machines subjected to final testing and sealing ahead of Monday’s voting.

In Lanao del Sur alone, Comelec reported that all 1,764 automated counting machines had been distributed and were undergoing final testing and sealing, with provincial election officials declaring the province 99 percent ready for the elections.

Comelec-BARMM officials have likewise emphasized that the electoral preparations are designed to ensure that voters can cast their ballots safely and that their votes are properly counted.

“Napaka-successful ng ating ginawang final testing and sealing ng mga VCM at ang lahat ng makina ay dumating na sa mga presinto. Sa mga kababayan po natin sa Bangsamoro, 4 na dekada nating hinintay ito makibahagi at mag-participate po tayo sa halalan dahil ang boses niyo ay mahalaga,” Garcia stressed.

The expectation of a high voter turnout is particularly significant because Monday’s election is not simply another electoral exercise but the first regular parliamentary election in the history of the Bangsamoro.

Voters will elect the 80 members of the Bangsamoro Parliament composed of 40 party representatives, 32 district representatives and eight sectoral representatives.

The elections are also being watched by international observers, with 108 observers from 16 organizations and delegations expected to monitor the electoral process in BARMM and nearby areas, including Cotabato City, Marawi City, Lamitan City and Isabela City, as well as the five BARMM provinces and the Special Geographic Area.

For Bangsamoro stakeholders, the convergence of electoral readiness, security preparations and broad public participation provides an opportunity for the region to demonstrate that the political transition forged through the peace process can advance through democratic means.

12/09/2026

| BFP OFFERS UNITY, INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE AS PATH FOR THE BANGSAMORO- MACACUA

The Bangsamoro Federalist Party is offering unity and inclusive governance as the path toward a more peaceful and progressive Bangsamoro, BFP candidate and BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua said yesterday as the party closed its 45-day campaign period with its Miting de Avance Cum Grand Rally.

Speaking before supporters at the BFP’s final campaign rally on September 12, Macacua reaffirmed the party’s commitment to bringing together the region’s diverse communities under a shared future anchored on peace, development, unity, and good governance.

“Our goal is to unify the Bangsamoro and its people,” Macacua said. “The Bangsamoro Federalist Party is a unifier party that does not distinguish whether one is Muslim, Lumad, or Christian. We need to serve everyone. This is a party that is truly inclusive.”

Macacua said genuine progress in the Bangsamoro can only be sustained when communities move forward together, emphasizing that unity should be reflected not only in political leadership but also in the delivery of services and opportunities to all residents regardless of faith or background.

The chief minister also underscored the importance of values-based leadership in building a stronger Bangsamoro, saying the party would pursue programs aimed at strengthening Islamic consciousness in the region.

“Gagawa tayo ng mga programang naka-focus sa pagpapalakas ng Islamic consciousness sa Bangsamoro, sapagkat naniniwala tayo na ang matibay na moralidad at pananagutan ay mahalagang pundasyon ng mabuting pamamahala,” Macacua stressed.

He added that promoting integrity, accountability, and compassion in public service would reinforce efforts against corruption and help strengthen institutions across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The BFP’s final campaign rally highlighted unity as a key pillar of its platform, with party leaders presenting an inclusive approach to governance as essential to preserving peace gains and advancing the region’s long-term development.

Yesterday marked the end of the 45-day campaign period for the BARMM parliamentary elections, with candidates and political parties making their final appeals to voters ahead of tomorrow’s historic polls.

12/09/2026

| COMELEC ON ITS FINAL TEST OF VOTE COUNTING MACHINES AS BARMM BRACES FOR THE HISTORI POLLS ON MONDAY

The Commission on Elections is on its final test today of the vote-counting machines to be used in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, as the region makes the concluding preparations for its historic parliamentary elections on Monday, September 14.

Comelec Chair George Garcia said all VCMs assigned to BARMM’s 5,212 polling precincts will undergo final testing and sealing on the 12th of September to ensure that the machines are functioning properly and accurately counting votes before they are deployed for election day.

“Susubukan po natin ‘yung lahat ng makina kung gumagana, bumibilang ba ng tama,” Garcia said in an interview.

The final testing and sealing is a crucial part of the poll body’s preparations, allowing election officials to detect defective machines and arrange for their repair or replacement before voting begins.

Garcia said the exercise will also help verify that the machines contain no unauthorized programs or instructions that could affect the integrity of the voting and counting process.

“Mas mahirap po kasi kung ang makina ay doon mo pa lang susubukan sa mismong araw ng eleksyon,” he said.

Representatives of political parties, candidates, poll watchers, citizens’ arms and civil society organizations are expected to witness the testing and sealing as part of Comelec’s transparency and election-integrity measures.

The final technical preparations come as BARMM braces for its first parliamentary elections, which will determine the members of the region’s first elected Parliament and mark a major step in its transition from the current transition authority to a fully elected parliamentary government.

The September 14 polls are also being closely watched nationally because of their significance to the Bangsamoro peace process, with national leaders describing the elections as a milestone in the region’s long transition toward self-governance.

Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has described the elections as the “fruition” of decades of peace efforts in the Bangsamoro.

Lagdameo likewise called the polls “a historic moment not just for the region but for the entire nation,” underscoring their importance in strengthening democratic institutions and sustaining the gains of the peace process.

With the VCM testing and sealing set for today, the Comelec is moving into the final stretch of preparations for Monday’s vote, as BARMM takes another significant step toward its new parliamentary form of government under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

09/09/2026

| GRAB, NCMF REGION XI PARTNER FOR EASIER, MORE CREDIBLE HALAL FOOD DISCOVERY

Representatives from Grab Philippines and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Region XI formally sign a Memorandum of Understanding at Bajada Suites in Davao City, marking a collaboration to improve the discoverability of halal-certified and Muslim-owned restaurants on GrabFood.

DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES – Grab Philippines has partnered with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Region XI, to make halal food discovery easier and more accurate for consumers when ordering food online.

Piloted in Davao City, this collaborative initiative equips the Grab app with enhanced search and filtering features, allowing consumers to confidently identify halal-certified and Muslim-owned restaurants that align with their dietary needs.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing on September 9 at Bajada Suites in Davao City, bringing together key stakeholders from the Consulate Office of Malaysia, the City Government of Davao, NCMF Region XI, and Grab Philippines.

"Our vision is to build an inclusive platform that empowers consumers to make food choices with absolute confidence," said RJ Cabaluna, Grab Philippines Vice President for Cities. “That means going beyond basic food delivery and equipping our app with the right filters and verification systems needed by the Muslim community. We are proud to partner with NCMF Region XI in taking this practical step toward strengthening the local halal food ecosystem and ensuring Grab remains a trusted partner for diverse dietary needs."

With transparency and credibility as guiding principles, NCMF endorsement is required before Davao City-based halal merchants can be appropriately tagged on GrabFood, ensuring consumers are guided to food choices that align with their needs. This guarantees that when users search for the word “halal,” the results exclusively display merchants that have been vetted by halal certification bodies. The universal “Philippine Halal” logo will also be placed on the merchant’s icon as an additional identifier.

Following NCMF endorsement, Muslim-owned merchants also have the option to display a "Muslim-owned" tag, enhancing their visibility and classification in relevant search results.
Furthermore, Grab is undertaking a clean-up of inaccurate or unsupported uses of the word “halal” in restaurant names, reinforcing the integrity of the platform.

While the immediate focus remains on platform enhancements, Grab and NCMF Region XI are exploring future opportunities to strengthen the local halal ecosystem. Potential collaborations under the MOU include halal merchant education, consumer-awareness campaigns, and capacity-building sessions.

“This partnership goes beyond just an app feature—it is about respecting traditions and building a community where Muslim Filipinos and travelers can order food without worry or hesitation,” said Arch. Sherrila Porza-Sawah, Regional Director of NCMF Region XI. “By working directly with a platform like Grab, we are reducing the barriers to discovering certified halal food and ensuring that our Muslim merchants and consumers are supported.”

With NCMF guiding the community’s interests and Grab adapting its technology to meet those needs, both organizations are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and credible halal ecosystem in Davao City.

09/09/2026

| GRAB PHILIPPINES AT NCMF, LUMAGDA NG KASUNDUAN PARA SA HALAL FOODS SA DAVAO

Lumagda ng Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ang Grab Philippines at ang National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) ngayong Setyembre 9, 2026 sa Bajada Suites, Lungsod ng Davao.

Layunin ng naturang kasunduan na mas madaling makahanap ang mga mamimili ng mga certified halal na pagkain gamit ang platform ng Grab.

Ayon kay Paul Manapat, head ng Grab Philippines sa Mindanao, bagamat sa Davao pa lamang ito unang isinagawa, tiniyak niyang isusunod din ang iba pang mga lugar sa bansa para sa katulad na inisyatibo.

Dinaluhan ang naturang seremonya ng mga kinatawan mula sa NCMF, Grab Philippines, at ni Malaysian Consul General in Davao Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh.

09/09/2026

| FORMER ARMED REBELS WHO APPLIED FOR AMNESTY URGED TO UPHOLD PEACE COMMITMENTS WHILE AWAITING DECISION

The observance of September as National Peace Consciousness Month is putting renewed focus on the commitment to peace of former combatants who submitted their amnesty applications before the March 2026 deadline and are now awaiting the results of the government’s evaluation.

The National Amnesty Commission’s declaration of September as National Peace Consciousness Month provides a timely backdrop to the continuing processing of amnesty applications under the Bangsamoro normalization process.

The applications of all former armed rebels, including M**F members and commanders and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, represent an important step in the transition from armed struggle to peaceful and productive civilian life.

With the March 2026 application deadline already past, applicants who submitted their requirements on time are now waiting for the government’s determination on their applications in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures.

While awaiting the outcome, however, applicants are expected to continue demonstrating the same commitment to peace that underpins their decision to seek amnesty.

This is particularly important for former commanders whose influence among former combatants and their communities gives them a greater responsibility to promote calm, restraint and stability.

The message is consistent with the broader objective of the normalization process: the transition from armed conflict is not simply about ending hostilities, but about building a culture of peace and responsible participation in society.

Recent peace initiatives involving former rebels elsewhere in Mindanao have likewise emphasized this principle. During the Balay Kalinaw Former Rebels Peace Summit in Davao del Norte, former rebels and stakeholders affirmed a collective commitment to sustaining peace and development, alongside government support for livelihood and socioeconomic programs.

The initiative illustrates how the peace process combines opportunities for former combatants to rebuild their lives with an expectation that they will help preserve the peace and stability that make reintegration possible.

For M**F amnesty applicants awaiting the disposition of their applications, the observance of National Peace Consciousness Month therefore carries a timely message: their decision to seek amnesty should be matched by conduct consistent with the peaceful path they have chosen.

Officials have yet to announce the final disposition of the pending applications, and applicants are expected to await the completion of the evaluation process and the corresponding decisions of the authorities.

But as the country observes a month dedicated to strengthening consciousness for peace, former combatants are being reminded that the gains of the peace process require continued discipline, restraint and respect for the law.

For those who have chosen to leave armed conflict behind, peace is not only a status to be achieved - it is a commitment to be demonstrated.

News5 Mindanao

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