Muslim intellectuals welcome Galvez as peace adviser

From GMA News (Dec 14): Muslim intellectuals welcome Galvez as peace adviser

A Muslim-based think tank shared high hopes on the appointment of retired Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Carlito Galvez, Jr. as Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
In a statement on Friday, the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) congratulated Galvez on his appointment and expressed confidence that the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) would be "effective" in leading government efforts to address conflict-related issues, including the impact of the of the upcoming Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite.

PCID president Amina Rasul noted the experience of the former AFP chief in peacebuilding as the chair of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) during the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which she said "augurs well for the OPAPP's efforts to strengthen government's peace initiatives."

Galvez has been called a "soldier of peace" for seeing soldiers as "both protectors of the state and contributors to economic development, human security, and social service support," Rasul added.

Last December 5, Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo announced that Galvez would succeed Jesus Dureza, who resigned in the wake of corruption issues hounding the OPAPP.

"While saddened by his abrupt departure, Secretary Dureza should be commended for acknowledging command responsibility and reminding all in government that the abuse of power, authority, and resources by public officials hinders the progress of our nation and diminishes the legitimacy of the state and moral stature of the bureaucracy in the eyes of the population," Rasul said.

"Notwithstanding the change, we feel OPAPP could effectively steer government's efforts in dealing with the current challenges in the various conflict affected areas of our country, including the impact of Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite set less than two months away," she added.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/678203/muslim-intellectuals-welcome-galvez-as-peace-adviser/story/