BARMM's Wali Nando major pillar of peace process: OPAPRU

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2023): BARMM's Wali Nando major pillar of peace process: OPAPRU (By Priam Nepomuceno)

BARMM Wali Khalifa Nando (Photo courtesy of the Bangsamoro Office of the Wali)

MANILA – Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. extended his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Wali Khalifa Nando who passed away on Sunday.

"Wali Nando was considered a major pillar of the Bangsamoro peace process. He was appointed by the BARMM interim government as its first Wali on March 29, 2019. He also opened the inaugural session of the second Bangsamoro Parliament on September 15, 2022," Galvez said in a statement Monday.

Wali Nando is the ceremonial head of the BARMM.

Wali is an Arabic word that could be translated into "master," "authority," "custodian," and protector.

Galvez also paid tribute to Nando's work as a religious leader and peacebuilder.

He said the late leader was instrumental in promoting the culture of peace, interreligious dialogue, and social healing and reconciliation among the Bangsamoro people.

"His legacy of peace will continue beyond his passing," Galvez said.

"May Wali Nando find eternal peace in the hands of Allah. Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un! (Surely, we belong to Allah and verily to Him do we return)," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194449