DAVAO CITY — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to continue its dialogues with the community and government agencies including groups affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as part of the national effort to address root causes of violence.
In his speech before the 6th Infantry Division at Camp Siongco in Cotabato on Monday, President Marcos reminded the military to always recognize the relationship between security, development, and governance towards inclusive nation-building.
“In collaboration with local communities and government agencies, we work together to address the root causes of violence, which can often be attributed to the absence of opportunities in the area. So, as peacekeepers now, in our role as peacekeepers now, we must always embrace the role of community and nation-building,” President Marcos said.
“By engaging dialogue with key stakeholders, we build resilient communities that are capable of withstanding the challenges that may come our way. I, thus, urge you to continue working hand-in-hand with the communities, including MILF and MNLF-affiliated groups, through their leaders and our local chief executives,” he added.
The President believes that the Filipino people, as a whole, can overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of peace and progress by forging partnerships rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
He said everyone can create a future where every Filipino thrives and succeeds, regardless of background or circumstances. He said the military can help ensure success will be visible and felt by the Filipino people.
“To our brave troops, your role becomes even more crucial as we move forward into the future,” he said.
President Marcos also led the awarding of Distinguished Conduct Star (DCS) to two soldiers and Gold Cross Medal (GCM) to three soldiers, who showed commendable heroism in an encounter with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction (BIFF-KF).
The soldiers helped neutralized Mohiden Alimodin Animbang, a ranking leader of the BIFF-KF and 11 of his men in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.
Earlier, President Marcos visited the WIA soldiers of the Philippine Army (PA) and handed over Special Financial Assistance to each of them
