Marcos tells ex-MILF, MNLF members-turned cops: Serve, protect Filipinos

During the oath-taking ceremony, 102 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members became PNP officers. (PHOTO FROM PNP-PIO)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged former members of Islamic liberation fronts to protect Filipinos as they took their oath as the Philippine National Police (PNP) officers at a ceremony, said the Palace on Monday.

During the ceremony, 102 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members became PNP officers. Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos delivered the President’s speech at the event.

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“The moment you take your oath, you pledge your allegiance not just to the Philippine National Police. You pledge your commitment and dedication to the public, to the Filipino people (whom) you promise to serve and protect,” Marcos said in his speech.

Marcos said the new PNP officers would be entrusted with weapons to achieve regional peace.

“You will be issued with arms, which you will be using for the protection of the Filipinos; the arms of protection, which you will now use with the government and not against it. Because at the end of the day, we all have that one thing we aim to achieve – lasting peace and sustainable progress,” Marcos said.

According to the Palace, the ceremony is the first PNP event with former secessionists.

Abalos assured the new officers of the government’s support to achieve the common goal of regional peace and security.

“We have already taken steps towards attaining lasting peace in the region. Sama-sama tayo sa pagkamit ng pagkakaisa dito sa Mindanao. The DILG and the whole national government shall continue to implement programs that uplift the welfare of our people, ensuring that our Moro brothers will not be left behind,” Abalos said.

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JMS/abc