President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged government troops to support programs for rebel returnees.
During his visit to the headquarters of the 401st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur on Friday, February 16, President Marcos lauded the troops for their bravery and success in neutralizing rebel forces in the Caraga region.
The Chief Executive also reminded them that, aside from being war fighters, they must also serve as peacemakers in the region.
"Yung mission ninyo, hindi lang manggyera, kung hindi you have to be also peacemakers at they, we must remember that kahit papaano, ang kaharap natin, Pilipino din yan," Marcos said.
"Kaya’t mas maganda sana, imbes na maglaban tayo ay pababain na natin sila at tulungan natin sila na magkaroon ng maganda namang buhay upang hindi na sila lumaban sa gobyerno, hindi na sila lumaban sa Pilipinas," he added.
The President mentioned that the government has programs to provide livelihood, land, and other forms of aid to rebels who return to the fold of the government.
