Marcos visits Mindanao, says AFP now peace fighters

MANILA, Philippines — Despite improvements in the peace and order situation in Mindanao, soldiers should stick to their expertise as “warfighters” even while playing the role of peacekeepers as their fight is not yet finished, President Marcos said yesterday.

Addressing members of the 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao del Norte, Marcos said much has changed in the southern Philippines due to government efforts, noting that former separatist groups are now working with the administration to further improve conditions in Mindanao.

He added that soldiers are no longer just warfighters but also peacemakers who must embrace the role of community and nation-building due to the progress of the peace process.

Despite these positive developments, the President noted that some soldiers still get wounded in armed encounters.

“I just came from your hospital and talked to the wounded. Even if you are now peacemakers, even as I ask you to be peacemakers, you must continue with your core competency as warfighters because the fight is not yet over,” Marcos said.

“I am happy though to say that the enemy is not taking the fight to us anymore. We are taking the fight to them and that is a sure sign of success. To our brave troops, your role becomes even more crucial as we move forward to the future,” he added.

Before talking to the troops, Marcos honored seven soldiers wounded in a clash with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) at the Camp Siongco Station Hospital.

He conferred the Wounded Personnel Medal to soldiers who fought against 15 members of the BIFF in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao del Sur on April 22.

The encounter resulted in the death of Mohiden Animbang, the highest leader of the BIFF-Karialan faction.

Marcos praised the Western Mindanao Command, the Joint Task Force Central and the 6th ID for their efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism.

“Through meaningful dialogues with stakeholders, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other peace-inclined groups, we have helped foster an environment conducive to peace and prosperity in Bangsamoro,” he added.

Marcos directed the military to continue working hand-in-hand with communities, including groups affiliated with the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front, through their leaders and local chief executives.

He cited the need to forge partnerships “based on mutual respect and understanding.”

Marcos also expressed confidence in the military’s capability to secure the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections in May 2025.

The President was at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, where the 6th ID’s headquarters is located, yesterday afternoon after his sorties in Parang and Barira towns and Pikit, Cotabato.

While at Camp Siongco, 6th ID officials led by Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera presented to Marcos assorted firearms surrendered in recent months by residents of provinces under the 6th ID’s jurisdiction.