MUNAI, Lanao del Norte — A united front against terrorism was forged in Munai, Lanao del Norte, on May 23, 2026, as the MILF and the Philippine Army officially declared ISIS-affiliated groups unwelcome in their communities.
Leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) 127th Bilal Base Command, government officials, security forces, and community stakeholders gathered to formally declare the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) and all ISIS-affiliated terrorist organizations as "Persona Non Grata" within their communities.
Beyond signing resolutions, the gathering highlighted a growing trust between former adversaries now working side-by-side to protect the fragile peace in the Bangsamoro.
Attendees viewed the declaration as a united stand against violent extremism, refusing to let fear or misinformation ruin years of dialogue and sacrifice.
“We do not want the peace process destroyed by rumors and doubt,” said Lt. Col. Jeremy D. Damonsong, commanding officer of the Army's 44th Infantry Battalion.
Damonsong stressed that both the Army and the MILF have sacrificed too much to allow extremist influence to damage their hard-won cooperation.
“Napakaganda ng usad ng ating peace process,” he said. “Ayaw naming masira ang lahat ng pinaghirapan at isinakripisyo ng magkabilang panig.”
His words hit home in a municipality long scarred by conflict and displacement. Today, Munai has become a place where military and MILF cooperation has evolved into a practical security partnership.
In the signed “Pledge of Commitment to Peace,” signatories vowed to shield communities from extremist influence, promote peaceful coexistence, and guide the youth toward moderation.
The pledge also strongly condemned the recruitment, financing, and harboring of terrorist groups.
For local leaders, this step was deeply personal.
Many families here carry memories of past violence, making trust-building essential.
“Pareho tayo ng adhikain—kapayapaan at magandang kinabukasan para sa ating mga anak,” Damonsong added.
Kumander Aleem Ansary Murad, Commander of the 127th Base Command, emphasized the importance of solidarity among residents, the military, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).
"We are here to support one another", Murad said.
"All the people of Munai, the military, the government, and the BIAF must continue to respect each other. What is important is that we help one another and guide our brothers and sisters back the right path whenever they go stray", he stated.
Meanwhile, Police Captain Pandapatan Tataan, Officer-in-Charge of the Munai Municipal Police Station, noted that the current challenge involves individuals who know the right path but still choose radical ideologies that violate the true teachings of Islam.
Because some of these individuals are relatives or neighbors, cutting off contact can be difficult.
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However, Tataan compared the situation to the decline of the New People's Army (NPA), noting that insurgent groups weaken when local communities reject them.
"If people stop supporting Dawlah islamiyah in Munai, the group will eventually disappear," he further said.
The event concluded with a shared understanding: unity is the only way to secure a peaceful, progressive, and safe Bangsamoro homeland for future generations.
