Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed former Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento as presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation and unity, replacing retired Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Malacañang announced Tuesday.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the leadership change during a press briefing.
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento as the new Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, succeeding retired General Carlito G. Galvez Jr., who has stepped down after years of dedicated service to the country’s peace agenda,” Castro said.
The Palace said Marcos expressed gratitude to Galvez for his role in advancing the government’s peace efforts, particularly in implementing signed agreements and sustaining gains in the Bangsamoro region.
Galvez, a former military chief, served as peace adviser under the Marcos administration and earlier held key positions under former president Rodrigo Duterte. His resignation follows that of National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, another former Duterte Cabinet member who recently retired from government service.
Malacañang did not cite a specific reason for Galvez’s departure.
The Palace described Sarmiento’s appointment as part of a transition in the government’s peace strategy, shifting toward civilian-led initiatives focused on reconciliation and local governance.
The government said this shift is especially important as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao prepares for its first parliamentary elections and the continued implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement.
Sarmiento led the Department of the Interior and Local Government during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III. He also represented Samar in Congress and was involved in advancing legislation that contributed to the creation of the Bangsamoro autonomous region.
The Palace said his experience working with local governments and communities makes him well-suited to lead the next phase of the country’s peace process.
“His background in local government and public administration equips him well for the task,” Castro said.
