Marcos cites ex-Moro combatants' role in achieving peace, security in Bangsamoro

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Monday highlighted the role of the first batch of Moro combatants in maintaining peace and security in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Marcos graced the graduation Ceremony of the Bangsamoro Police Basic Recruit Course (BPBRC) Batch 2023-01 Classes Alpha - Bravo "Bakas-Upit" held in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.

''Ang inyong misyon ay higit pa sa paglilingkod at pangangalaga sa mga kababayan natin. Kayo ang tutulong sa pagsusulat ng bagong yugto para sa Bangsamoro tungo sa mas tahimik at matiwasay na kinabukasan,'' Marcos said in his speech.

(Your mission is more than serving the public. You will help in ensuring a new chapter in Bangsamoro that is peaceful and orderly.)

''Kahit saan man kayo italaga, kayo ay kinatawan ng kaayusan at pagbabago na layon nating ipamana sa ating mga anak,'' he added.

(Wherever you will be assigned, you will be representatives of peace and change that we intend to give to our children.)

The graduating class is consists of 100 trainees evenly divided between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), with 92 men and eight women.  

These former Moro combatants underwent a 23-week program, which prepared them to carry out the crucial duties of the police force, with a focus on enforcing national laws and the specific regulations within the region.

The new graduates will temporarily be appointed as patrolmen and patrolwomen in accordance with the decree of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM). They have up to 15 years from their date of entry into service to obtain a college degree.