30 Abril 2024, Martes
more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ
welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay
supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024
supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign
FMJ visits Mindanao, “AFP now peace fighters”
By J.Lo
“I just came from your hospital and talked to the wounded…even if you are now peacemakers, even as I ask you to be peacemakers, you must continue with your core competency as warfighters because fight is not yet over,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.said despite improvements in peace and order situation in Mindanao, soldiers should stick to their expertise as “warfighters” even while playing role of peacekeepers as their fight is not yet finished.
Addressing members of 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao del Norte, Marcos said much has changed in southern Philippines due to government efforts, noting former separatist groups are now working with administration to further improve conditions in Mindanao.
He added soldiers are no longer just warfighters but also peacemakers who must embrace role of community and nation-building due to progress of peace process.
Despite these positive developments, the President noted some soldiers still get wounded in armed encounters.
“I am happy though to say that enemy is not taking fight to us anymore…we are taking fight to them and that is sure sign of success…to our brave troops, your role becomes even more crucial as we move forward to future,” he added.
Before talking to troops, Marcos honored seven soldiers wounded in clash with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) at Camp Siongco Station Hospital.
He conferred Wounded Personnel Medal to soldiers who fought against 15 members of BIFF in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao del Sur on April 22.
Encounter resulted in death of Mohiden Animbang, highest leader of BIFF-Karialan faction.
Marcos praised Western Mindanao Command, Joint Task Force Central and 6th ID for their efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism.
“Through meaningful dialogues with stakeholders, including Moro Islamic Liberation Front MILF and other peace-inclined groups, we have helped foster environment conducive to peace and prosperity in Bangsamoro,” he added.
Marcos directed military to continue working hand-in-hand with communities, including groups affiliated with MILF and Moro National Liberation Front, through their leaders and local chief executives.
He cited need to forge partnerships “based on mutual respect and understanding.”
Marcos also expressed confidence in military’s capability to secure first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections in May 2025.
The President was at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, where 6th ID’s headquarters is located, after his sorties in Parang and Barira towns and Pikit, Cotabato.
While at Camp Siongco, 6th ID officials led by Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera presented to Marcos assorted firearms surrendered in recent months by residents of provinces under 6th ID’s jurisdiction.
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