ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 27 January)— Secretary Carlito Galvez and Basilan Gov. Hadjiman “Jim” Hataman Salliman signed on Friday a memorandum of agreement relative to the implementation of the local normalization initiative program to promote peace and sustainable development in the region during ceremonies at the Western Mindanao Command here.
(L-R): Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez, and Basilan Gov. Hadjiman “Jim” Hataman Salliman ceremonially sign the memorandum of agreement on the localized normalization implementation on Friday (26 January 2024). MindaNews photo by FRENCIE L. CARREON)
Galvez, who heads the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), said the agreement “stands as a strong testament to our commitment and support in advancing the peace process” in the region.
“When done correctly and timely, this shall translate into a more developed and prosperous Basilan where there is continuity, stability, and sustainability of the peace dividends,” he added.
Normalization refers to the steps taken to make the situation in the Bangsamoro area more normal or peaceful. This includes decommissioning rebel forces, helping former combatants reintegrate into society, and supporting the communities affected by conflict. The normalization implementation is a crucial part of the Bangsamoro peace process as it aims to create a stable and secure environment in the region.
Localizing the normalization implementation means adapting these efforts to the specific needs and conditions of the local communities in the Bangsamoro area.
“The success of this initiative is anchored on maintaining an open line of communication and collaboration. Let us continue to coordinate with each other, keep everyone informed on the developments and problems encountered, so that we may collectively find solutions,” Galvez said.
He expressed “sincere gratitude” to Salliman “for his outright support to pilot the localization normalization implementation in the province of Basilan.”
Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, Western Mindanao Command chief, called on all parties to work together to advance the hopes and dreams of Muslim Filipinos and indigenous cultural communities, particularly in BARMM.
Stakeholders join Western Mindanao Command Chief Major Gen. William Gonzales, OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez, and Basilan Gov. Hadjiman “Jim” Hataman Salliman following the signing of the memorandum of agreement on the localized normalization implementation on Friday (26 January 2024). MindaNews photo by FRENCIE L. CARREON
Salliman affirmed his commitment to the peace and development in Basilan as he recounted past incidents in Basilan, including atrocities of the Abu Sayyaf Group, and the efforts of the provincial government in addressing people’s needs, surrender of rebels, livelihood projects for surrenderers and their respective families.
“A community empowered is a community transformed,” Galvez said. “Each of us has an important role to play in transforming Basilan into a community where peace, hope, understanding, prosperity reign supreme. All the interventions that we will be carrying out hope to address decades-long cycle of armed conflict in Basilan and the whole of Mindanao,” he added.
Ariel Hernandez, Co-Chair of the Joint Normalization Committee was present during the signing. (Frencie L. Carreon / MindaNews)
