396 MILF, MNLF men take oath as PNP members

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 396 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front have taken their oath as patrol officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Mohagher Iqbal, education minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said the integration of the 396 officers showed the autonomy of the BARMM government.

“This is one of the demonstrations of the autonomy of the Bangsamoro government, which has taken steps to ensure that the organization and the delivery of services to the people have commenced,” Iqbal said.

He added that the resolution of key issues regarding the integration of the 396 officers into the PNP is among the major accomplishments of the Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), which is tasked to facilitate closer coordination and resolve issues through consultations and negotiations in a non-adversarial manner.

According to the IGRB, the 396 are now training at the PNP regional office.

Iqbal, who co-chairs the IGRB, also said eight municipalities in North Cotabato, collectively known as the BARMM special geographic area, have appointed their mayors.

“This would be a first for the IGRB and would be another testament to the implementation of the intergovernmental relations provision of the BOL,” Iqbal said, referring to the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, IGRB co-chairperson for the national government, noted that President Marcos cited five out of seven essential laws for BARMM – including the Administrative Code, Local Government Code, Election Code and those for Education and Civil Service – which have been enacted by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament.

Pangandaman echoed Marcos’ optimism that the BARMM is ready for its regular elections.

“But it is not only the Philippine government or the Filipino people who are praying for peaceful and successful elections in BARMM. The whole world – especially those who have reached out to help – is watching and rooting for the success of BARMM,” Pangandaman said.

She pointed out that BARMM serves as a model that can inspire other nations in resolving armed conflicts through peaceful means.