Borromeo Field, Fort Gen. Gregorio H. Del Pilar, Baguio City
February 18, 2017
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte divulged that he would be directing the military to help in the government’s war against illegal drugs and in containing the ISIS threat in the country during his speech in this year’s Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMAAAI) homecoming at Fort Gen. Gregorio H. Del Pilar in Baguio City.
“If there is peace and order, businesses and everything else will follow. And it did. Now I believe what happened in Davao can really happen nationwide. But I need the help of each one, especially the military, not for social control but protection of citizens from the lawless, the reckless, and the selfish,” the President said.
He added that the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is focused on kidnap for ransom operations while the Basilan-based ASG under its leader, Isnilon Hapilon, is assimilating the Islamic State (IS) violence.
“As I predicted, IS would find its way to the Philippines. ASG leader Hapilon, the overall leader of the ISIS Philippines, however, has been severely wounded in an encounter with the military. I have directed AFP and PNP to continuously contain the ISIS threat, to intensify operation using all available assets and resources. This is the only way to secure Mindanao,” President Duterte explained.
Moreover, the Commander-in-Chief spelled out the issues enveloping the country including climate change because of destructive industries, some threats contributing to the widening gap between the rich and the poor, crime, corruption, criminality, and illegal drugs. However, he vowed to deliver goods and services for the interest of all Filipinos.
“My administration is here to ensure that basic human services are available to all – food and health needs, water and sanitation, shelter, public safety, education, and economic opportunities,” he assured.
President Duterte is a ‘mistah’ of the Dimasupil Class of ’67. In his message, he said that aside from being adopted by the given class, he is also honored to be a part of the PMAAAI because of his long and harmonious relationship with the alumni, and not merely because of political consideration.
During the event, he also administered the awarding of Cavalier Awards and the conferment of medallions to three PMA classes: Class 1957 as diamond jubilarians, Class 1967 as golden jubilarians, and Class 1992 as silver. After the awarding, he officiated the oath-taking of the new PMAAAI board of directors for 2017-2018.
“What I desire for the Philippines is a prosperous society that includes everyone, a peaceful law-abiding citizenry, and people of different beliefs who choose to get along with one another. That is why I appreciate the PMA. You have the template of discipline and civility. I asked that you continue this tradition and thank you for inviting me to be part of you. Let us together build a nation worthy of the Filipinos, Filipinos worthy of their nation. Pilipinong nararapat sa Pilipinas. Pilipinas na nararapat sa Pilipino,” he concluded.
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