CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, PILI, CAMARINES SUR (PIA)-- “We have changed in our approach to the CTGs. We are not only presenting them with the military force, but we are presenting them with other options. We are presenting them with life after the life of being a rebel, and I think that’s one of the reasons why we succeeded the whole of society, the whole of nation approach in terms of dealing with these groups.”

This was the statement made by His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to the uniformed men and women of the 9th Infantry “SPEAR” Division following his visit in Camarines Sur to inaugurate his housing and agriculture flagship programs, March 16, Thursday.

President Marcos Jr. was greeted warmly by Spear Troopers through a Military Arrival Honors led by 9ID and Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) Commander Major General Adonis R. Bajao.

They were joined by National Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.; Commander of Southern Luzon Command Lt. Gen. Efren P. Baluyot; 903rd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Aldwine I. Almase; 902nd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Edmundo G. Peralta; PBGen. Rudolph P. Dimas of PRO5; PCG Bicol Commander Genito B. Basilio; GC of TOG5 Lt. Col. Kris A. Abad; and Commander of NFSL, Commodore Joe Anthony C. Orbe.

As President of the Philippines and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Marcos’ visit at the military camp was intended to ensure that the military remains the government’s partner in keeping peace in the land and assuring that the community is safe from all threats of harm or intimidation from lawless elements.

“I said during the command conference very quickly earlier, I see that the actions here, the violent instances of encounters et cetera, have slowly come down and looking at that, all I can say is that once again, I have always been a – I have always said that of all the sectors of society, it is only the military that has never let the Filipino down,” the President said following his Talk to Troops quick engagement with the Spear troopers on

During the visit, Major General Bajao presented to the Commander-in-Chief several Captured, Confiscated, Surrendered and Recovered (CCSR) firearms as testimony of the army’s and government’s effective campaign against the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTG) in Bicol. 

At the Information Briefing, the Commander of 9ID also outlined the unit's current position, notable successes, and ways forward to completely eradicate the CTG in the Bicol Region.

Meanwhile, President Marcos Jr. also talked to the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian human resource of 9ID regarding the government's counter-insurgency campaign and the bolstering of the Army's strength to effectively promote and preserve peace in the Bicol Region.

“We in the civilian government are determined to make sure that when we ask you to do your duty, [then] you are fully prepared, you are fully trained and you are complete in the equipment that you need to fulfill that mission”, President Marcos Jr. said.

President Marcos Jr. also lauded the 9ID for its efforts in regional stabilization and dedication to service. He also acknowledged the military's transformation from being war-fighters to regional peacemakers.

“So keep up the good work. Continue your service. Inaasahan namin kayong lahat at hindi naman kayo – wala naman kayong karanasan na hindi niyo tinanggap ang inyong duty at hindi niyo tinupad ang inyong mission,” the President stated. (With reports from 9ID MRoldan,DPAO-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

Cover photo: Courtesy of DPAO, 9ID, Philippine Army