President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. | (File photo from INQUIRER.net./Ryan Leagogo)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared Palawan free of rebels.
His announcement comes as the government observes National Peace Consciousness Month in September.
“I cannot think of a better way to open the celebration, the commemoration of the National Peace Consciousness Month than to also, at the same time, announce and to declare, Palawan island, as insurgency free,” said Marcos in his speech in the province.
Marcos said Palawan’s rebellion-free environment was an accomplishment that resulted from a collaborative effort beyond armed government units.
He emphasized that a holistic approach was needed to address the root causes of insurgency.
“Kung dati, ang nakita lang ng rebelde natin ay sundalo at saka pulis, kaya ay napakahirap na maabot ang pagkakaintindihan at maibalik sa ating lipunan ang mga naging rebelde,” said Marcos.
(Before, rebels only saw soldiers and police, so it was hard to reach an understanding and return former rebels to society.)
The President said rebels resorted to armed struggle because they lost hope in government.
On Thursday, National Security Advisor Eduardo Año said local insurgency will end during the term of Marcos.
He added crushing rebellions would allow the Armed Forces of the Philippines to focus on external threats.
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