President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said he is now seeing the end of the government's half-a-century war with communist rebels and that the country's soldiers must now take on a new role to ensure that no one can sow fear in the country.

Marcos said this as he participated in the 126th anniversary of the Philippine Army in Taguig City on Wednesday, March 22.

In his speech, the President said that after the soldiers' sacrifices to ensure the country's internal security, the government's 50-year war with the rebels would soon end.

"We have come to a point in our country's history when a half-a-century's fight with insurgents is coming to an end," he said.

"This would not only bring peace to our nation but would also help development and improve the lives of every Filipino," he added.

Marcos: We come to the point in our country's history when half a century's fight with insurgents is coming to an end. This would not only bring peace to our nation but would also help develop and improve the lives of every Filipino. @manilabulletin

— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyllcyrus_MB) March 22, 2023

With the "declining numbers" of the communist terrorist group, President Marcos said the government must now recalibrate its military approach.

"As our ground troops, you have done the difficult part of clearing our communities of internal security threats. You must now continue being the catalyst for their surrender and disarmament," he said.

Marcos encouraged the soldiers to serve as "peacemakers" and lead a "whole-of-nation" approach in the more challenging mission of addressing the root causes of insurgency.

"Work with the national government agencies, the civil society groups, the private sector, and the communities themselves in keeping the peace. It is a critical task as it is only through achieving internal security that we will be able to foster development and address equally important security concerns," he said.

"It now behooves upon you to ensure that these areas will not fall onto the hands of those who intend to sow fear, discontent, and terror," he added.

The Chief Executive likewise asked the Philippine Army to help mold the youth who will keep the peace in the future.

"As we navigate the challenges of the 21st Century, we need to protect the younger Filipinos who will eventually inherit your legacy and lead the country," he said.

"Actively take part in molding the Filipino youth to be responsible citizens, to be patriotic leaders," he added.