Marcos to SOLCOM troops: Ensure peace in PH maritime territory

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday called on Southern Luzon Command troops to continue doing their mandate amid challenges in the country’s maritime territory.

Marcos underscored that territorial defense has become part of the duties and obligations of the SOLCOM.

“Nakakatiyak naman ako na nababalitaan ninyo ang mga pangyayari at parang pabigat nang pabigat ang nagiging hamon sa atin. Kaya’t kailangan natin ang trabaho natin ay ipagpatuloy na maging mapayapa ang ating mga isla, ang ating mga [sovereignty] sa maritime territory,” Marcos said in his speech before SOLCOM troops.

[I am sure that you know what's been happening and the challenge before us has become greater. That's why we need to work to ensure our islands are safe and even our [sovereignty] in our maritime territory.]

“And now that has become part of the mission of the Southern Luzon Command. Whereas before, it was only with the internal threats that we were having to deal with,” he added.

The President, meanwhile, is hopeful that the troops will continue their “success rate” when it comes to the efforts in eradicating communist groups.

“Ang iniisip na ngayon natin how do we transition [unclear] so that they can – you can use more resources for the territorial security aspect of your new mission,” Marcos said.

“But the way we will do that is that kailangan we [need] have to bring the level of activity by the communist terrorist groups --- we have to bring down that level of activity to the point where it is possible for the AFP to hand over the duties of the internal treat because it is now a law enforcement operation,” he added.

Marcos said the country would get to the point where it can “transition fully or at least the majority of our resources can transition already to the defense of our territory.”

He also hailed the soldiers’ role during response efforts amid calamities. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News