AFP, PNP remember MILF vice chair Jaafar as worthy adversary, dependable partner in peace

The Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday expressed its condolences to the loved ones of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) vice chair and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) chair Ghazali Jaafar who passed away at 75 due to kidney failure.

"From a worthy adversary to a partner in peace, Chairman Jaafar shared the PNP's aspirations for genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao," the PNP said in a statement.

"By reaching out the magnanimous hand of friendship and peace, Chairman Jaafar sought to make the peace process work thru the newly-ratified Bangsamoro Organic Law," it added.

For its part, the AFP acknowledged Jaafar as being "instrumental to the quest for peace in Mindanao as AFP’s dependable partner in that elusive aspiration."

"His insights and dedication as a person and as a peace advocate will be his enduring legacy— not only to the Bangsamoro people but to the entire nation as well," the military said in a statement.

The AFP added that for those whom Jaafar left behind, the pursuit for peace continues until its fruition.

Malacañang has also lauded Jaafar's efforts to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao and called him "a warrior of peace."

Jaafar died at 1 a.m. at the Metro Davao Medical and Research Center in Davao City, according to Jaafar family's spokesperson Prof. Raby Angkal. — Dona Magsino/MDM, GMA News