Bongbong Marcos to AFP: Stay vigilant vs extremists

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has directed the military to help maintain peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Addressing the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) at Camp Siongco in Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Thursday, Marcos said the military should not let its guard down as he warned them of those who can still threaten stability in the region.

He cited members of extremist groups who resort to banditry and sow chaos.

“They don’t talk of religion or ideology. They just kidnap people, create disorder, (engage in) murder-for-hire, things like that. That threat is still there and you cannot let your guard down,” he told the troops.

The President said the military should stay vigilant to ensure that the peace process will not collapse.

”If something happens, everything stops. We will have to start again and talk to everybody again,” he said.

Marcos said the government’s peace pact with Muslim secessionists is “the way forward” and achieving a peaceful and progressive region will benefit ordinary people.

“Because of the ongoing transition, the military’s mission will also change,” Marcos said, noting that maintaining peace in their jurisdictions would be a big help in the peace process.

“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... so that the functions of government will become ordinary in BARMM,” the President added.

Marcos said the new 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) is a “good mix,” as it is represented by various families, tribes and political leadership.

Prior to meeting with soldiers in Maguindanao, Marcos was in Cotabato City for the inauguration of the BTA.

Marcos assured the Bangsamoro people of his administration’s unwavering commitment to the peace proces.

He urged the regional government to pass legislation that will institutionalize local governance and ensure people’s welfare, particularly in agri-fishery, healthcare, transportation, communication, digital infrastructure and e-governance.

Marcos has appointed all members of the BTA after the term of those who served during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte ended.