President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday directed concerned agencies to sustain counter-insurgency efforts, with renewed focus on preventing the emergence of new rebel groups.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos announced that no active guerrilla group remains in the country.

“Sa wakas, wala na ring nalalabing grupong gerilya sa bansa. Titiyakin ng pamahalaan na wala nang mabubuo muli,” the President said.

The Chief Executive said thousands of former insurgents have returned to the fold of the law and now benefit from reintegration and livelihood programs.

“Ang libo-libong mga nag-alsa dati laban sa pamahalaan, nagbagong-buhay na at nagbabalik-loob na. Tinataguyod natin kasama ang kanilang pamilya. Katuwang ang pribadong sektor, pinapaunlad din natin ang kanilang pamayanan, at naglalatag tayo ng mga daan, patubig, at marangal na hanapbuhay,” President Marcos said.

“Bukod sa programang panghanapbuhay, nagpagawa tayo ng mga health stations, mga silid-aralan, mga water systems, streetlights, na ngayo’y napakikinabangan ng mahigit labintatlong milyong Pilipino na ngayon ligtas na mula sa kaguluhan,” the President said.

President Marcos recognized the case of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where the military, police, and former rebels have joined forces to maintain peace and order. | PND