Marcos thanks Swiss government for supporting Mindanao peace process

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has thanked the Swiss government for supporting the peace process in Mindanao.

During the farewell call of Swiss Ambassador Alain Gaschen at Malacañang on Wednesday, Marcos noted that Switzerland played a key role in the initiative of the Bangsamoro parliament as well as national and local government units to ensure that the peace process in Mindanao works.

“The Philippines and Switzerland, we have (always had) a very good close relationship in many, many ways. I cannot forget the involvement that the Swiss government had in chairing the Bangsamoro Transitional Council... That was a very important role that you played in the success of what we are now continuing to implement in terms of the peace process in southern Philippines, in BARMM,” Marcos said in a statement, referring to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The President said the Philippines is “eternally grateful” even as he expressed hope that Switzerland would continue its support.

Marcos said the “very big test” is how to put together BARMM’s electoral and local government codes as well as basic laws on the region’s administrative structure.

A Palace statement released yesterday said Marcos promised to hear the views of various sectors, including factions, to prevent the escalation of violence in Mindanao.

Gaschen, for his part, praised the Marcos administration’s food security and energy sufficiency thrusts.

He said the Philippines has all the ingredients and crops for a successful agriculture sector.

Gaschen noted that investments in green and renewable energy are increasing, adding that these would eventually lower power costs and increase manufacturing.

Gaschen has served as ambassador of Switzerland since Aug. 4, 2019.