MANILA – Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. has called for the creation of a “Department of Peace” to carry on the gains made after the forging of peace deals with rebel groups.
Galvez, chief of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), said his proposal will serve as the replacement of the agency he is currently leading.
“We saw the best practices of other countries. They really have ministries or departments of peace,” Galvez said. “Turning OPAPRU into the Department of Peace will bring about the effective implementation of government policies.”
Galvez added that the move to transform OPAPRU into a department also aims to address the security of tenure and career advancement of its personnel.
“It shall contribute to the promotion of peace that is not merely a fleeting priority or an ad hoc approach, but rather a sustained and consistent effort of the government,” Galvez said.
The OPAPRU was officially launched by virtue of Executive Order 158 signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2021.
The agency is in charge of handling peace talks and negotiations related to the Maoist insurgency and Islamic rebellion in the country.
With OPAPRU, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines started its negotiation with the government to come up with a framework to restart the peace talks.
OPAPRU also played a role in the passage and ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law that was sealed after the peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front./PN
