ILIGAN City — Government security officials and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commanders are working to keep voters safe and prevent election-related violence as the Bangsamoro prepares for its first parliamentary elections on September 14.

The two sides met at Camp Bilal on September 11 to coordinate security measures, improve communication and identify potential flashpoints in Lanao del Norte and nearby communities.

The meeting brought together Bangsamoro Parliament Member Abdullah “Bravo” Macapaar and fellow commanders of the MILF-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) Northwestern Mindanao Front Command, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Bernardo Taqueban, and Munai Chief of Police Police Major Pandapatan P. Tataan.

Former Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Undersecretary David B. Diciano facilitated the discussions.

The discussions focused on direct communication, joint security planning and early action on possible conflicts ahead of the polls.

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said sustained engagement between former combatants and government security forces is essential to protecting the peace process during the electoral period.

“This meeting was convened to reaffirm all parties’ steadfast commitment to the peace process,” Sarmiento said. 

“Sustaining open dialogue and operational synergy on the ground guarantees that the democratic voice of the Bangsamoro people can be expressed freely, securely, and without disruption.”

Protecting voters, preventing conflict

The meeting builds on earlier peace-process milestones, including updated operational guidelines for the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

The strengthened protocols are intended to support joint responses to local conflicts, criminal threats and peace-mechanism monitoring, particularly during sensitive transition periods such as regional elections.

Government security forces and BIAF-MILF commanders pledged to maintain transparency, pursue proactive de-escalation and share responsibility for regional stability.

For voters, the goal is a secure environment where they can exercise their democratic rights without disruption.

The engagement is part of continuing government-MILF coordination efforts to protect the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process while supporting a peaceful and credible electoral exercise.