MANILA — A major shakeup in the Marcos administration’s peace machinery unfolded Tuesday as Malacañang confirmed the exit of Carlito Galvez Jr. as presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation, and unity, with former Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento immediately stepping in to lead the government’s peace process office.
Sarmiento, who served under the administration of the late President Benigno Aquino III, now assumes leadership of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), replacing Galvez, a retired military general who held key roles in both defense and public service.
Malacañang has yet to disclose the reason behind Galvez’s departure or provide details on the transition, leaving questions on the direction and continuity of the government’s peace initiatives.
Galvez previously led government forces during the 2017 Marawi siege and was later appointed Armed Forces chief.
After retiring from the military, he became peace adviser under former President Rodrigo Duterte and went on to serve as chief implementer of the government’s COVID-19 response and vaccine czar.
Under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Galvez briefly headed the Department of National Defense in an officer-in-charge capacity in 2023 before returning to the peace post./PN
