Marcos: Be vigilant vs terror comeback in insurgency-free Misamis Occidental

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. Screengrab from RTVM

MANILA, Philippines — Upon the declaration of Misamis Occidental as an insurgency-free province, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday called on local authorities to “thwart any possible comeback” by terrorist groups to sustain peace in Mindanao.

Marcos made the pronouncement during the declaration of Misamis Occidental as an insurgency-free province at the Tangub City Global College Sports Complex in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental.

“As we celebrate these gains today, we cannot rest here. We must remain vigilant against the emerging threats that undermine our hard-won gains,” said Marcos in his speech.

“I ask the local government units of Misamis Occidental to intensify collaboration with various government agencies, partners, and other stakeholders to thwart any posturing or coming back of terrorist groups or any of their financiers or supporters may still be contemplating,” he added.

According to Marcos, the “aggressive implementation of socioeconomic interventions” helped prevent the recurrence of conflict in Misamis Occidental.

READ: Marcos gov’t confident it could sign peace deal with CPP-NPA-NDFP

“The experience of Misamis Occidental speaks volumes about the importance of addressing the root causes of insurgency. Peace will neither be attainable nor sustainable without accompanying development. These things work hand-in-hand,” said Marcos.

“It is our hope that through this Administration’s programs and projects, we will sustain the stability, the peace, and the progress in the home of all of those from Misamis Occidental,” he added.

According to Marcos, as of this September, 46 of 51 barangays identified as recipients of the Barangay Development Programs (BDPs) have been completed, while 17 are already ongoing implementation.

The BDP is one of the government’s peace effort programs, which aims to “improve the quality of life for residents in conflict-prone and conflict-affected barangays by implementing various projects and programs.”