President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed gratitude to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) for aiding the government in its anti-terrorism and anti-insurgency campaigns in Mindanao, leading to a more peaceful and stable region.
“I extend my gratitude to the men and women of the MNLF, under the leadership of Chair Nur Misuari and Chair Muslimin Sema, for your steadfast commitment as natural allies of this Administration and of course, as our brothers, [our partners], and sisters in peace,” President Marcos said during the opening in Malacañang of the National Peace Consciousness Month (NPCM) and the commemoration of the 28th anniversary of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) at the Malacañan Palace.
“Let me recognize your support in our anti-terrorism campaign, particularly in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, where insurgency was among its foremost concerns. We also acknowledge our international partners. We would not have progressed this far without your help, [without your] guidance,” he stated.
A more peaceful Mindanao has resulted in increased investments, which generated more employment and helped lower poverty incidence in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the President said.
The President vowed to implement all signed peace agreements with various rebel groups throughout the country.
During his visit to Sulu last July, President Marcos praised government forces for successfully minimizing the threat posed by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other enemies of the state in the province.
Congratulating the soldiers at the headquarters of the Army’s 11th Infantry Division (ID) in Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu, the President acknowledged their hard work and sacrifices, saying, “You have worked hard to achieve this success… and have made many sacrifices so that we can now say that the capabilities of the ASG have been severely reduced.”
At the same time, the Chief Executive urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) not to be complacent, as the mission to completely eliminate the enemies of the government is not yet over.
President Marcos was the guest of honor and keynote speaker during the 2024 NPCM, under the theme: “Peace Month @ 20: Bagong Pilipinas–Transforming Minds, Transforming Lives,” and the commemoration of the 28th anniversary of the 1996 FPA with the MNLF. PND
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