Several officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have expressed support for the appointment of former Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento as the new chief of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
Sarmiento replaced Carlito Galvez Jr. after the latter stepped down.
In a report by GMA News Online, Galvez said in a statement that his successor would be Sarmiento, and that his retirement is effective on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
''I shall step down from public office after forty-six years of unbroken service to our nation. This decision is borne of a personal necessity to attend to the health of my wife, and to devote myself to my family—a commitment that is, perhaps, long overdue,'' Galvez said
Sarmiento, who served as the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) from 2015-2016, was also a former representative of the first district of Samar.
During his tenure at the House of Representatives, he was among the principal authors of House Bill No. 4994, a significant legislation aimed at establishing the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with a new autonomous political entity.
He was also actively involved during the deliberations of the BBL, which was a key milestone in the peace process in Mindanao.
BARMM officials said Sarmiento’s experiences in legislation, governance, and executive leadership is expected to strengthen ongoing peace and development initiatives in the region.
Maguindanao del Sur Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu lauded Sarmiento’s past contributions as a legislator and former DILG chief.
He also expressed confidence that Sarmiento can effectively carry out his new mandate in advancing peace, reconciliation, and unity.
Mangudadatu is also positive that Sarmiento will sustain and further enhance the peace initiatives initiated by Galvez.
Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament Member and Deputy Floor Leader, Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, likewise conveyed strong support for Sarmiento’s appointment.
“We welcome the appointment of Sec. Sarmiento. We are certain that his various experiences, both in and out of government, will bring not only a breath of fresh air in the OPAPPRU but also new and fresh ideas and solutions to many of the challenges we confront in the implementation of this very important peace agreement in the Bangsamoro,” Sinarimbo said.
Sinarimbo emphasized the importance of continuity in peace efforts and called on the new PAPRU chief to sustain and strengthen programs that are already ongoing in the region.
Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. also backed the appointment, saying he welcomes Sarmiento’s designation and is hopeful for stronger coordination in advancing peace and development efforts across the Bangsamoro region.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) Minister Von Al-Haq, who also serves as Co-Chairman of the Joint Peace and Security Committee under the GPH-MILF Peace Mechanism, welcomed the appointment of Sarmiento.
“We welcome the new secretary of the OPAPRU, Mel Senen Sarmiento, and hoping to work together in the near future..."
The Provincial Government of Basilan also welcomed Sarmiento’s appointment, saying his experience is a vital asset especially as the region is set to hold its first parliamentary elections.
“Secretary Sarmiento’s extensive experience in local government is a vital asset, especially as the region approaches its first parliamentary elections. His background ensures a grounded approach to governance that will boost the peace process during this critical transition. We look forward to collaborating with him to sustain these gains,” the provincial government said.
