MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Retired army general and now Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista highlighted that the citizens play a crucial role against terrorism.

In his message of peace during the culmination program of the 4th anniversary of Marawi Liberation at Marawi City Hall, the former commander of the Philippine Army, said the security forces recognize that terrorism will not be defeated without the support of the citizenry.

“Kinikilala ng ating security forces na ang terorismo ay hindi magagapi kung wala ang suporta ng mga mamamayan,” he said.

[Our security forces recognize that terrorism cannot be defeated without the support of the people.]

Bautista, who was the overall ground commander during the Marawi siege in 2017, conveyed gratitude for the unity and support of the citizens towards the success of the fight against terrorism.

According to him, the citizenry’s support provided a huge impact during the crisis as it empowered the security forces in carrying out their duties towards their mission.

The former commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi during the Battle of Marawi said the whole of nation approach paved the way for the collaboration of different sectors of the society, government agencies, and private organizations to address the needs of the affected communities during the siege.

“Nagpakita na ang krisis sa Marawi ay hindi lamang nakaatang sa balikat ng mga security forces kundi shared responsibility sa buong sambayanan,” he said.

[It shows that the crisis in Marawi is not only on the shoulders of the security forces but a shared responsibility with the entire people.]

Bautista, who also heads DSWD, commended the efforts of other government agencies under Task Force Bangon Marawi for their dedication and commitment to rebuilding the lives of the affected residents. (LELA/ PIA Lanao del Sur)