Marcos wants further emphasis on countering terrorist financing

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday stressed the need to combat terrorist financing as he lauded the Philippine Army (PA) for weakening the presence of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in Western Visayas

During a situation briefing with PA officers in Camp General Macario Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz, the President said that it was important to keep the counterterrorism efforts going.

“I would (like to) congratulate you for the good progress that you’re making. Keep the pressure going…I know that the other units are also doing it in terms of the financing. But perhaps, you could put more emphasis on that,” Marcos said.

PA 3rd Infantry Division Commander Major General Marion Sison told the President that armed groups are taking advantage of vulnerable minority groups like indigenous people.

According to the Palace, the CTGs would pose as a humanitarian group when asking for help from international institutions. However, the money they receive would never reach the minority groups.

“We must keep on going and we’ll wait for your invitation to come back when you declare this area insurgent-free… I think it’s achievable,” Marcos said.

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