President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met on Thursday, Sept. 15, with the troops of the Sixth Infantry Division (6ID) of the Philippine Army in Camp Siongco, Maguindanao where he put emphasis on the role of the military in ensuring peace.
In his message to the troops following the opening of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, Marcos said fighting must end to improve the situation of former conflict areas in Mindanao.
“I bring this up to you to explain that perhaps the mission of not only the political leadership but also the mission of the military here is going to change. That will be because I am hoping that we can look forward to a period of lasting peace and progress,” he said.
“If we are able to do that, we’re able to support. Kung dati natin silang nilalabanan, they are still learning how to become a government and we must give them a chance to learn how to become a government. We should help them,” he added.
The Commander-in-Chief noted that cooperation for peace process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will make government functions “ordinary” in the region.
He also reminded military personnel to remain cautious as the presence of several extremist groups remain.
“Nandiyan pa rin ang threat sa inyo diyan, kaya’t you cannot let your guard down also,” he said. “I know that you will all keep up the good work that we know you have been doing.”
“Kahit na medyo nagbago nang kaunti ang trabaho ninyo, I know that you will adjust and you will excel as you always do,” he continued.
The 6ID said MGen. Roy Galido, the commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6ID, presented to Marcos during his visit the confiscated and recovered firearms from military operations.
The President was welcomed by Galido, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief LtGen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, and Western Mindanao Command commander LtGen. Alfredo Rosario. – With reports from Mark Fetalco and Alec Go
