President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the need for a peaceful conduct of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) polls next year.
According to the President, the electoral process is key to peace in Mindanao.
President Marcos made the remarks during his attendance to the 2nd Joint National Peace and Order Council (NPOC)-Regional Peace and Order Councils (RPOCs) meeting for 2024 in Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday.
During the meeting, the President also reiterated the need for adherence to non-escalatory approaches in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
President Marcos said earlier this week the Philippines would not be deploying Navy warships in WPS despite the recent harassment by China.
He also stressed the country’s move to continue its resupply mission and protect its territorial rights.
He said the Philippines would continue advocating for peaceful resolutions to the regional issue.
Executive Order (EO) No. 773, s. 2009 reorganized the NPOC to oversee the government’s integrated peace and order efforts and provide a forum for an interdisciplinary dialogue to address issues affecting peace and order.
The RPOC, on the other hand, was organized through EO No. 773 to recommend measures to improve or enhance peace and order and public safety initiatives and orchestrate the internal security efforts of civil authorities, the military, and the police. PND
