MILF in Basilan Outlines Five Priority Programs for 2026 at Major Gathering
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Basilan province has officially presented five priority programs for the year 2026 during a significant assembly held on Thursday, February 12. The event took place at the MILF community in Barangay Guinanta, Al-Barka, Basilan, drawing an impressive attendance of 4,163 MILF members, alongside representatives from various committees, community leaders, and invited guests.
Key Priorities for the Year Ahead
In a statement released by the MILF leadership in Basilan, the five priorities were detailed as follows:
- Conducting the first regular parliamentary election to strengthen democratic processes.
- Fully implementing the normalization process to ensure lasting peace.
- Delivering socioeconomic packages to qualified beneficiaries as part of peace-building efforts.
- Implementing an amnesty program for qualified individuals to foster reconciliation.
- Ensuring that decommissioning remains synchronized with other normalization components for balanced progress.
Emphasis on Unity and Leadership
Engineer Aida Silongan, the keynote speaker at the assembly, highlighted four crucial points in her address. She stressed the importance of unity and disciplined leadership as foundational to the peace process. Silongan also called for responsible dissemination of accurate information to combat misinformation, emphasized sustaining gains through collective accountability, and underscored the role of community participation in strengthening democratic institutions within the Bangsamoro region.
Silongan, known for her extensive background in peace-building initiatives, governance reforms, and community development, urged members to remain vigilant in protecting peace achievements. She noted that peace must be actively safeguarded through informed leadership, coordinated implementation of agreements, and sustained socioeconomic support mechanisms.
Focus on Normalization and Joint Efforts
The MILF in Basilan reiterated that the implementation of signed agreements must remain a joint and bilateral effort between all concerned parties. Particular attention was given to the normalization track, which includes parallel and coordinated efforts in decommissioning combatants, providing socioeconomic support, managing private armed groups, and controlling small arms and light weapons.
"Progress in decommissioning must proceed in parallel with other normalization components to ensure balance and credibility in the process," the MILF stated. The assembly acknowledged that joint efforts among stakeholders are crucial for the success and sustainability of the peace process.
Commitments and Challenges Ahead
During the assembly, the Social Welfare Committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring beneficiaries receive appropriate assistance in line with normalization commitments. However, the leadership also acknowledged existing challenges, including:
- Maintaining parallel implementation of normalization elements.
- Sustaining joint and bilateral cooperation among parties.
- Preserving unity and discipline within the organization amid evolving political dynamics.
Themes and Future Steps
Throughout the assembly, several themes were consistently emphasized: unity as the foundation of sustainable peace, discipline within organizational ranks, responsible leadership and democratic participation, accurate information to counter misinformation, and collective responsibility in safeguarding peace gains.
MILF members were encouraged to ensure full attendance and preparedness for strategic discussions at the expanded central committee meeting and provincial executive committee assembly scheduled for Monday, February 16. The assembly was anchored on the theme: "Calling for faithful implementation of CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro), sustaining the gains of the peace process."
