Marcos touts strengthened peace, security in Phl

On his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening peace and national security as a cornerstone of the “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) vision.

Marcos highlighted significant strides in modernization, reintegration, and law enforcement.

Marcos emphasized that peace is an essential foundation for progress. 

“Ang kapayapaan ay mahalagang pundasyon ng Bagong Pilipinas, kaya pinapatatag natin ito kasabay ng ating pag-unlad (Peace serves as an essential foundation of the New Philippines, that’s why we work this out alongside with our development)” he said.

The President cited ongoing efforts to modernize the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

He noted that new arms, combat vehicles, and equipment continue to be acquired to ensure a stronger, more responsive defense posture across the country’s archipelago.

“Patuloy tayo sa pagpapatibay ng ating kapulisan at sandatahang lakas (We continue to strengthen our police and armed forces),” he said.  

Further, Marcos also reported the progress in the government’s efforts in reintegrating former rebels into society. 

“Ang libo-libong mga nag-alsa dati laban sa pamahalaan, na nagbagong-buhay at nagbalik-loob na, ay tinataguyod natin kasama ang kanilang pamilya (Thousands who once fought against the government have returned to civilian life, and we are supporting them and their families),” he touted. 

With assistance from the private sector, he said, the government is building infrastructure such as roads, irrigation systems, and livelihood programs in the conflict-afflicted communities.

Beyond economic assistance, Marcos said the administration has built health stations, classrooms, water systems, and streetlights, directly benefiting over 13 million Filipinos in formerly conflict-ridden areas.

No more guerilla rebels

Significantly, the President declared that there are now no remaining active guerrilla groups in the country. 

“Titiyakin ng pamahalaan na wala nang mabubuo muli (The government will ensure that none will rise again),” he added.

Meanwhile, Marcos praised the unity among the AFP, PNP, and former rebels in maintaining peace and order, especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

"Magkakasangga na ngayon ang AFP, PNP, at mga dating rebelde sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan at kapayapaan sa BARMM (

“Kaya naman, ang lipunan natin ngayon ay mas mapayapa. Mas mapangalaga rin sa karapatang-pantao, anuman ang edad, kasarian, kundisyon, o pangkat (As a result, our society is now more peaceful and more protective of human rights, regardless of age, gender, condition, or background),” he said.

On the other hand, Marcos recognized existing concerns about criminality, despite the reported decline in crime rates. 

“Walang ibang magpapalubag ng pangamba at pagkabahala, lalo na sa mga naging biktima mismo ng kriminalida (No statistic can ease the fear felt by victims of crime,” he said. 

He underscored the PNP’s commitment to rapid response, promising that officers would be ready to respond to emergencies within five minutes.

He also addressed the troubling issue of disappearances tied to illegal online gambling and cockfighting syndicates. 

“Nagtutulungan ang buong pamahalaan para lutasin ang mga kaso ng mga nawawala dahil sa walang pakundangang kagagawan ng mga sindikato sa likod ng madilim na mundo ng mga sabungan (The whole of government has sought to resolve the cases of those missing because of syndicates behind these dark world of cockfighting industry),” he said. 

The President warned that his administration will go after those behind these crimes. 

“Hahabulin at pananagutin natin ang mga utak at mga sangkot, sibilyan man o opisyal. Kahit malakas, mabigat, o mayaman, hindi sila mangi-ngibabaw sa batas (We will pursue and hold accountable the masterminds and all those involved, civilian or official. No one, no matter how powerful or wealthy, is above the law),” he said.

“Higit sa lahat, ipaparamdam natin sa mga salarin ang bigat ng parusa sa karumal-dumal na krimen na mga ito (Above all, we will ensure that those who commit such heinous crimes will feel the full weight of justice),” he said.