President Marcos said he would not allow anybody to destabilize his government and sow division among the people as he asked the armed forces to remain loyal to the country.

Marcos said this during his Talk to the Troops of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday, May 16.

In his speech, the President vowed to fend off destabilization plots, noting that the country’s enemies may be hiding in the shadows, or infiltrating the communities and institutions the government seeks to protect.

He said the government will fight back and implement countermeasures to thwart nefarious schemes and attempts amid the changing times and new threats to the nation’s security.

“We will not allow agents within the country to destabilize our government and create division within our nation," he said.

“We must be prepared to fight false narratives, disinformation, and digital operations that seek to sow conflict [against us] and among us,” he added.

With this, Marcos asked the Army troops to make love the compass of their duty.

“I urge all of you to continue to [demonstrate] your loyalty, patriotism, and service to your country," he said.

“I call on you to develop the skills and acquire [knowledge] to combat new forms of warfare, including those that extend up to the digital realm,” he added.

Last week, President Marcos said there were no reports of any police officials participating in destabilization plots against his government, as claimed by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

Meanwhile, on local development, Marcos said the government has invested P5.3 billion in 758 projects across 356 barangays, citing their importance in the fight against communist insurgency.

These projects include infrastructure, roads, water systems, schools, and health centers, of which over 78 percent are now considered completed.

According to the President, the government's e-CLIP program for former rebels in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga region has been successful noting that 80 percent of enrolled participants have received benefits like livelihood training, financial assistance, and educational opportunities since last year.

“Because of your efforts, these who we consider our adversaries before are now (helping to) build their communities instead of destroying those communities,” Marcos told the troops.

“It will ensure peace in formerly conflict-affected areas and prevent communities from falling back into the trap of armed conflict,” he added.