CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE—The leadership of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and the Joint Task Force Central expressed full support for the Ceremonial Signing of the Guidelines for Mutual Understanding among the Government of the Philippines (GPH), the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) for ceasefire-related functions in connection with the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections, scheduled for September 14, 2026.
The ceremonial signing took place at Camp Darapanan, Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on August 31, 2026. Attendees included Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, Acting Commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom); Major General Patricio Ruben P. Amata, Chairman of the GPH-CCCH; Brig. Gen. Ricky P. Bunayog, Acting Commander of the 6ID/JTF Central; and Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Assistant Division Commander.
Also present were Mel Senen Sarmiento, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU); Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the MILF; Army Brigade and Battalion Commanders; personnel from the Philippine National Police; and representatives from the GPH, AHJAG, MILF peace mechanisms, and other key stakeholders.
The Guidelines for Mutual Understanding were signed by senior officials of the GPH and MILF peace mechanisms, including Police Brig. Gen. Jemuel F. Siason, Chairman of the GPH-AHJAG, and Director Anwar Alamada, Chairman of the MILF-AHJAG, along with other members of the respective peace mechanisms. The signing affirmed their shared commitment to the peace process and to the effective implementation of ceasefire-related functions.
The agreement reaffirms the parties’ commitment to uphold the ceasefire, strengthen coordination, and promote mutual understanding in fulfilling their respective ceasefire-related responsibilities. It also aims to prevent misunderstandings, address potential conflicts through peaceful means, and contribute to safe, stable, and credible BARMM Parliamentary Elections.
In his message, Brig. Gen. Bunayog expressed the 6ID/JTF Central’s full support for the signing, emphasizing that the agreement will help sustain peace and stability in the region and contribute to the peaceful conduct of the upcoming elections.
The signing ceremony highlights ongoing cooperation among the Government of the Philippines, the MILF, and various peace mechanisms supporting the peace process. Through sustained coordination and adherence to agreed guidelines, the parties reaffirm their collective commitment to maintaining peace and stability and to ensuring a safe, orderly, and peaceful historic parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Maj. Gen. Cagara, Acting Commander of the WestMinCom, emphasized the event’s significance. “Our continued dialogue and coordination are essential to achieving a peaceful, orderly, and credible election. The Western Mindanao Command wholeheartedly supports this effort, and we remain committed to maintaining professionalism, impartiality, and fairness as we fulfill our duty to protect the people and ensure a safe and peaceful electoral process,” Maj. Gen. Cagara said.
