Sarmiento appointed peace panel chief

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has appointed Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento as chairman of the government’s peace panel in talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Palace communications officer Claire Castro announced Sarmiento’s appointment at a press briefing yesterday, noting he will hold the position in concurrent capacity as presidential peace adviser.

Sarmiento replaced former panel chairman Cesar Yano, who resigned from the post in February.

The panel is tasked to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which created the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the BARMM’s interim government, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

In a statement, Sarmiento thanked the people of Bangsamoro as well as the local and international peace partners for their continued commitment to achieving lasting and inclusive peace under the Bagong Pilipinas.