PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. appointed former Interior Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento as the new presidential peace adviser, replacing Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., the Palace said on Monday.

Mr. Galvez stepped down, citing the need to attend to his wife’s health and spend more time with his family.

“The President extends his deepest gratitude to General Galvez for his steadfast leadership of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines (OPAPRU), particularly in advancing the implementation of signed peace agreements and sustaining the gains of the Bangsamoro transition,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told a news briefing.

Mr. Galvez previously served as Armed Forces chief and later led the government’s pandemic response as vaccine czar. He also briefly served as officer-in-charge of the Department of National Defense.

Mr. Sarmiento’s appointment is vital as the Bangsamoro holds its first parliamentary elections on Sept. 14, and the full realization of the Comprehensive Agreement.

“Secretary Sarmiento’s background in local government and public administration equips him well for the task,” Ms. Castro added.

“The administration reaffirms its abiding commitment to a just and lasting peace, and calls on all peace partners, stakeholders, and communities to stand with Secretary Sarmiento as he takes up this vital work.”

The OPAPRU is the government’s lead agency for overseeing the peace process, including negotiating with rebel groups, reintegrating former combatants and promoting national unity. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

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