Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
May 23, 2024

After leading the distribution of various assistance to farmers, fisherfolk and families, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. continued his visit to the Province of Tawi-Tawi as he met with the uniformed personnel of the 2nd Marine Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the Municipality of Bongao.

In his remarks, the President lauded the invaluable efforts of the 2nd Marine Brigade for maintaining peace and being at the forefront towards achieving sustainable development in Tawi-Tawi — the southernmost part of the archipelago. He recognized all the contributions of each Brigade member in restoring peace throughout the Province, which was once considered ground zero for armed insurgency.

The Commander-in-Chief commended the 2nd Marine Brigade for a job well done and urged them to continue with their mission as peacemakers in Tawi-Tawi in order for the Province to continue thriving and progressing, as well as to give former armed rebels a new life.

“Kasama na sa misyon natin ay ‘yung patuloy na peacemaking para mabigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang mga fighter, ang dating mga fighter, na magkaroon ng mas magandang buhay; hindi sila nakatago sa bundok; hindi sila laging gutom, at tayo naman, bilang pamahalaan ay gagawin natin ang lahat upang mabigyan sila ng pagkakataon para iwanan na nila ang kanilang mga armas, iwanan na nila ang kanilang mga kampo, at magkaroon na sila ng magandang buhay,” President Marcos Jr. stated.

“So that is the mission that is before us now. You have performed the war fighting mission to an excellent degree. And now let us also show them that the peacemaking part of your mission, you will now fulfill to the same excellent degree,” he reiterated in his speech.

During the event, President Marcos Jr. offered a wreath to the Marine Heroes Memorial inside the camp to honor all the fallen Marine Corps who have been laid to rest in the area since 1978.

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