18/05/2026
On 14 May 2026, the Joint Normalization Committee represented by its Secretariat attended the Ceremonial Launching of the SALW-M Program spearheaded by the Local Government Unit of South Upi under the funding support of OPAPRU which was successfully conducted in South Upi, Maguindanao Del Sur, marking the initial step toward the full implementation of the program at the local level. The SALW-M Program was developed by Joint Normalization Committee in relation to its deliverable under the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro to manage the proliferation of loose fi****ms. The program involves coordinated efforts among the security sector, civil society, and other stakeholders to restrict the movement of loose fi****ms, encourage voluntary firearm turn-in, and promote community-based monitoring. The Program in South Upi also provides livelihood assistance to support beneficiaries and strengthen peace and social cohesion, while integrating gender-responsive approaches consistent with the Women, Peace and Security (WPS).
During the event, a distribution of livelihood assistance was conducted for the beneficiaries of the previously turned in forty-three (43) loose fi****ms under the program. Livelihood assistance distributed included ten (10) heads of cattle/cow, twenty (20) heads of goats, two (2) laptop units, two (2) grass cutters, one (1) set of carpentry tools, five (5) weighing scales, sixty (60) sacks of rice, thirteen (13) sacks of corn seedlings, eighteen (18) sacks of fertilizers, one (1) solar panel, and one (1) 1,000-watt solar power station. Furthermore, a ceremonial presentation of an additional forty-eight (48) loose fi****ms was also conducted during the activity.
Hon. Helen Benito Padua, Municipal Mayor of South Upi, delivered the welcome remarks and described the program as a defining moment for the Municipality of South Upi, emphasizing its significance in strengthening peace, security, and community cooperation in addressing the issue of loose fi****ms.
Minister Akmad Brahim, represented by Mr. Aliuddin Haron, clarified that the temporary pause in certain peace mechanisms should not be interpreted as abandonment of the peace process nor withdrawal from the commitment to normalization and community stability. He emphasized that the protection of civilians, prevention of violence, and strengthening of trust among communities remain shared responsibilities that cannot be suspended or postponed.
In his message, PCOL Michael John Mangahis commended the people of South Upi for choosing progress over conflict and encouraged the community to continue supporting the peace process, stressing that individuals who voluntarily surrender their fi****ms are taking courageous steps toward a better future. He further assured the community of the continued support of the government, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in ensuring security and helping communities achieve peaceful and productive lives.
Meanwhile, BGen. Michael A. Santos described the surrender of fi****ms not merely as the turnover of weapons, but as a powerful symbol of transformation and renewed hope. He emphasized that genuine peace is built through trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility, stating that the activity reflects the strength of the whole-of-nation approach where peace cannot be achieved by the Armed Forces alone, but through the commitment of every sector of society.
Likewise, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Sec Mel Senen Sarmiento, represented by Presidential Assistant David B. Diciano, Head of the Bangsamoro Transformation Cluster, emphasized that the SALW-M Program is a vital component of the governmentโs collective peacebuilding efforts, aimed at addressing the presence of unregistered and loose fi****ms at the barangay and municipal levels while demonstrating the strength of synergy and collaboration among the national government, local government units, security sector, and communities in building a safer, more peaceful, and progressive Bangsamoro.
Among the distinguished guests present during the launching were Presidential Assistant David B. Diciano; BGen. Michael A. Santos, Commanding General of the 603rd Infantry Brigade; PCOL Michael John Mangahis, Provincial Director of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office; Mr. Aliuddin Haron, Head Secretariat of the M**F Joint Normalization Committee (JNC); Director Ana Farina Pacete, Head of FOPCU; PLt. Albert F. Alarde, Chief of Police of South Upi Municipal Police Station; Ltcol Aeron Gumabao, Commanding Officer of 57th Infantry Battalion; PSSg Aratuc Maulana, JPST Team Leader; SFO3 Ronald Pojas, South Upi Municipal Fire Marshal; and PMSg Efren John A. Torricer, Team Leader of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit.
