September 8, 2025, General Santos City — In a large but peaceful demonstration today, various groups gathered
in front of Congress to demand the removal of two key officials from the peace process: Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Anton Lagdameo Jr. The protestors’ main grievance centers on what they describe as the officials’ failed management of the peace and development process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Allegations of Meddling in BARMM Governance Central to the protestors’ accusations is the alleged interference by Galvez and Lagdameo in the nominations and appointments within the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).
Protest leaders claim the two officials have obstructed the genuine and meaningful implementation of the peace agreement by meddling in the selection of parliamentary members, ministers, and even the Chief Minister.
“They should not be the ones dictating who gets to sit in power in the BARMM. That decision should be in the hands of the Moro leaders and the people,” a protest leader stated. “This kind of governance undermines the autonomy that the Bangsamoro people fought for.”
This alleged interference, according to the protestors, violates the spirit of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which grants the BARMM full authority to govern its own region. Demonstrators believe that political interests are being prioritized over the true development of peace and good governance.
Slow Implementation of Normalization Process
Beyond the allegations of interference, protestors also criticized the slow progress of the Bangsamoro Normalization Process, a program overseen by Secretary Galvez’s OPAPRU. This initiative is designed to help former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members transition back to civilian life.
“The decommissioning of firearms and the assistance for our comrades are moving too slowly. Many promises have not been fulfilled,” said a former combatant at the rally. “The livelihood projects that are supposed to help are not being felt by the communities.”
The delay, protestors argued, is causing widespread disappointment and raising doubts about the government’s commitment to completing the peace process.
They believe that Galvez and Lagdameo should be held accountable for the stagnation of these critical peace efforts.
Call for New Leadership
Citing these issues, protestors are urging the President to appoint officials who have a “genuine concern” for peace and no “political agenda.”
“We hope the President listens to our demands. Removing Galvez and Lagdameo from their posts would be a
signal that the government is serious about fulfilling the peace agreement,” a supporter said. “The trust of the people and the Moro leaders is crucial for the success of peace in Mindanao.”
As the demonstration concluded, the protestors reiterated their strong call for the immediate removal of the officials, hoping their message will prompt a swift response from the administration.
By: Ustadz Ebrahim D, Sandigan
CBCS TAP-G Project
Area Coordinator for Sugoda Buayan Cluster
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