Nakiisa rin ang Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) sa sambayanan sa pagdadalamhati sa pagpanaw ni Ret. General Eduardo Ramos Ermita na inilarawan nito bilang haligi ng Philippine peace process.
Nagsilbi rin ang heneral bilang dating Presidential Peace Adviser noong 2001.
Sa isang mensahe, nagpaabot si Presidential Adviser on Peace Sec. Carlito Galvez ng pakikiramay at dasal para sa pamilya at mahal sa buhay ni Gen. Ermita.
Ayon sa kalihim, nagpamalas ang heneral ng pinakamataas na antas ng mga katangian ng isang sundalo, tunay na opisyal, ginoo, statesman at peacemaker sa kaniyang matagal at natatanging karera sa serbiyo publiko. Inilarawan din ni Galvez si Gen. Ermita bilang instrumental sa paglalatag at pagpapatatag ng pinaka-pundasyon ng kapayapaan sa ating bansa.
Kinilala pa ni Galvez ang katapangang ipinamalas ng heneral sa kaniyang naging mahalagang papel sa peace mission sa Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) sa Basilan noong Pebrero 1984.
“His courage was legendary. In February 1984, he ventured deep into the jungles of Basilan for a peace mission with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), meeting with one of its fiercest commanders, Gerry Salappudin. This bold act of dialogue became a turning point, opening a direct line of communication with the MNLF’s top leadership, including Dimas Pundato, Abu Khayr Alonto, Talib Congo, and Ronnie Malaguiok. This visit was crucial in explaining the government’s programs and pushing forward the peace negotiations.”
“General Ermita’s efforts were not confined to the field. He was a tireless diplomat for peace on the international stage, working with the Philippine delegation to gain recognition and support from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Alongside Ambassador Joey Syjuco, he formed the lean and mean secretariat of the government panel whose work led to the landmark 1976 Tripoli Agreement. His experiences provided him with invaluable insights into the history, culture, and aspirations of the Moro people.”
“As a key member of the National Unification Commission (NUC), he helped craft our nation’s comprehensive peace policy. In a critical mission for President Fidel V. Ramos in October 1992, he led a delegation that successfully convinced MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari to resume negotiations. This was built on a foundation of trust, where Chairman Misuari confided in him the movement’s struggles and dreams. These tireless efforts culminated in the signing of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement, a major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process.”
“In 2001, General Ermita was appointed as the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. Over three years, he led the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) with exceptional performance, refining peace policies that continue to have an impact today.”
“It was also during his time as Executive Secretary when former President Gloria Macapagal Arroroyo issued Executive Order (EO) No. 570 in 2006 or the Philippine policy that “Institutionalizes Peace Education in Basic and Teacher Education” by mandating its integration into the national curriculum. This initiative aims to foster a culture of peace by incorporating peace concepts, skills, and values in both basic education and teacher training programs.”
“General Ermita’s legacy is one of principled commitment to dialogue and a steadfast belief in negotiation as the primary tool for resolving conflict. He skillfully balanced the demands of national security with the imperatives of peace. His life’s work underscores the vital importance of sustained cooperation and unwavering dedication in the pursuit of a just and lasting peace for all Filipinos.”
“Even in retirement, General Ermita consistently offered crucial guidance and mentorship, helping me steer the OPAPRU and advance the Philippine comprehensive peace process.”
Taong 2023, ginawaran ng OPAPRU si Gen. Ermita ng Highest Distinction Award sa Gawad Kapayapaan bilang pagkilala sa kaniyang mga mahahalagang kontribusyon sa peace process sa Pilipinas.
Sa huli sinabi ng OPAPRU na isang malaking kawalan ang heneral na isang magiting at tunay na tagapamayapa. Mananatili aniya ang heneral bilang isa sa pangunahing haligi at pundasyon ng peace process ng ating bansa.
