Cotabato, MILF expand peacebuilding initiatives

The Cotabato provincial government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed to expand their peacebuilding initiatives to further support the ongoing peace process in the region.

Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza and MILF Chairman Ahod Ebrahim, along with other officials, will collaborate on new programs aimed at strengthening peace and security.

This expanded cooperation will focus on areas designated as "peace zones" within former MILF enclaves.

Sixty-three barangays in Cotabato province, previously part of Region 12, were integrated into the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following a 2019 referendum.

Governor Mendoza recently visited Camp Darapanan, the MILF's main stronghold, to discuss the positive outcomes of past joint peace and development efforts.

The Cotabato province is largely Christian with a significant population of non-Moro indigenous peoples, highlighting the inclusive nature of the expanded peace efforts.