Zamboanga del Sur marked its fifth year as an insurgency-free province, a milestone described by Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento as proof of the province’s transformation from a conflict zone.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) expressed its cooperation with the newly appointed presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation, and unity, former Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento.

Malacañang peace adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento engaged in a discussion with Rappler reporter Iya Gozum regarding the ongoing progress and future challenges of the BARMM peace process.

Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman and the MILF leadership have welcomed the appointment of former Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento as the government’s new peace adviser, citing his extensive local governance experience.