President Marcos declared Misamis Occidental as now “insurgency-free,” but he also asked for vigilance against “emerging threats” and called on local authorities “to thwart any posturing or coming back of terrorist groups.”
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. delivers his speech at the Tangub City Global College Sports Complex in Misamis Occidental on Sept. 27, 2024. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)
The Chief Executive made the declaration at the Tangub City Global College Sports Complex in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental on Friday, Sept. 27, wherein he also cited development gains and coordination between the local and national governments as vital to achieving peace.
“I am very pleased to announce that 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘴 𝘖𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 is now insurgency-free,” he said in a Facebook post, which was accompanied by photos of the event.
“This victory sends a clear message—never will we allow fear or violence to dictate the future of our nation and its people,” he added.
Key to this success, Marcos explained in his speech at the TCGC Grandstand, was the Barangay Development Program (BDP), which funded projects such as farm-to-market roads, construction and development of roads and bridges, improvement of water supply, establishment of health stations, rural electrification, and rehabilitation of schools.
“The experience of Misamis Occidental speaks volumes about the importance of addressing the root causes of insurgency. Peace will neither be attainable nor sustainable without accompanying development. And these things work hand-in-hand,” the President said.
However, Marcos also sought vigilance “against the emerging threats that undermine these hard-won gains.”
He called on local government units in Misamis Occidental to collaborate intensively with government agencies, partners, and other stakeholders to thwart the return of terrorist groups and their financiers or supporters.
“Let us harness the power of peace to uplift the province, this region, and this nation to unparalleled heights. Let Misamis Occidental stand as a shining example of what can be achieved when we work for the greater good together,” Marcos said.
“With us perpetuating the peace efforts that we made here, I know that soon we will be able to declare the entire country, the entire republic, as insurgency-free,” he assured.