Marcos says gov’t prioritizes Maguindanaons’ security

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the distribution of land titles to beneficiaries in Dumaguete City on May 20, 2024. File photo from the Facebook page of the Presidential Communications Office

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Thursday that security remains at the top of his administration’s priorities.

Marcos acknowledged the area’s conflicts while distributing various government aid to communities hit by the El Niño phenomenon in Maguindanao del Sur.

READ: 4 MILF members killed in Maguindanao del Sur ambush

“Hindi natin kinakalimutan ang mga hamon sa seguridad na patuloy na iniinda dito sa Maguindanao del Sur,” said Marcos in his speech.

(We will not forget the challenges to security that continue to be felt here in Maguindanao del Sur.)

“Ang kasaysayan ng kaguluhan ay nag-iwan ng marka sa magandang lupain na ito na patuloy na nakaka-apekto sa inyong araw-araw na kabuhayan. Ngunit alam kong malalagpasan natin ito,” he promised the residents.

(The history of conflict left a mark on this beautiful land, continuously affecting your daily livelihood. But I know we will move past this.)

“Tinitiyak ko sa inyo na ang kaligtasan ng ating mamamayan at nananatiling prioridad ng aking adminsitrasyon,” he added.

(I guarantee our citizens’ safety, which remains our administration’s priority.)

Marcos said the government would continue to address the roots of the conflict and that lasting peace would be achieved.

The President ordered government agencies, both local and national, to go on assisting the communities.

“Inaatasan ko rin ang lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno, kabilang ang lokal na pamahalaan, na tiyakin na nakakarating sa ating kababayan ang iba’t ibang ayuda at serbisyo mula sa pamahalaan,” said Marcos.

(I order all government agencies,  including the local government, to ensure that government aid and services are reaching the people.)