Screenshot from RTVM
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has called on the military to support the peace process in Mindanao and give the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao a chance to transition and govern.
In his speech before the troops at Camp Siongco in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, on Thursday, the President said he was looking forward to “a period of lasting peace and progress” in Mindanao.
“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,” Marcos said, referring to the Bangsamoro government.
“Those who used to fight against the Philippines, fight against us, fight against you, it will be better for everyone involved if we help each other,” he added.
On Thursday morning, Marcos attended the inaugural session of the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) in Cotabato City.
The new BTA members will serve this year until 2025.
In his talk to the troops, the President said that among the military’s role was to continue to support the peace process in Mindanao.
But he told the military to remain vigilant so that this peace process in Mindanao would not be ruined by extremist groups.
“You cannot let your guard down also. You have to stay vigilant and stay careful so that this peace process will not be derailed. If that happens, everything will stop. We will have to start again and talk to everybody again,” he said.
“There are still extremist groups who no longer have no ideology, just banditry,” he added.