PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. asked the troops to support the new approach of the government’s in tackling internal conflict.
Speaking during his “Talk to Troops” at the Philippine Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade headquarters in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on Friday, PBBM encouraged soldiers to become peacemakers while combating groups threatening peace and democracy.
While they go after lawless elements, Marcos said the military should also support government programs providing livelihood, land, shelter to rebels wanting to return to the fold of the law.
Meanwhile, the President commended the military for attaining success in neutralizing communist/terrorist groups in the CARAGA and nearby regions this year.
The Commander-in-Chief mentioned he has received good updates about the security situation in the region following a briefing of Joint Task Force or JTF Diamond and ground troops.
This JTF is composed of the Army’s 401st, 402nd, 403rd, and 901st Infantry Brigades, covering most parts of CARAGA and Northern Mindanao.
Among the notable accomplishments of the JTF Diamond include the neutralization of 200 communist rebels/terrorists, 144 surrendered, 44 killed, and 12 captured and seized 311 firearms.
From 2021 to present, the units under the Army’s 4ID helped facilitate the surrender of 2,596 former rebels, of whom 2,167 or 83 percent were already awarded benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
On the said program, former rebels who have decided to return to the fold of the law will be granted financial assistance, livelihood training and grants, firearm remuneration, and housing and education assistance.
