TACURONG CITY, SULTAN KUDARAT — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, June 7, called on the men and women of the Armed Forces to never waver in their commitment to protect the Republic from all threats such as terrorism.

In his visit to the 1st Mechanized Infantry (Maaasahan) Brigade, Mechanized Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Camp Leono, Barangay Kalandagan, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, President Duterte reminded the soldiers of their sworn duty to protect the Filipino people and the Republic.

He also said operations in Marawi City will be wrapping up in the next few days.

“As we retake the beautiful city of Marawi from the clutches of the enemy, I call upon our troops to remain steadfast in performing their sworn duty to protect our people,” Duterte said.

“I ask you to never waver in your commitment to defend the Republic from all threats especially of terrorism, criminality, and insurgency,” he added.

The President also commended the Armed Forces for their contributions to fight terror and bring back peace to Marawi City.

“The experience of the 1st Mechanized Brigade in facing various threats, groups in Mindanao and Sultan Kudarat will greatly contribute to our efforts of completely crush the rebels hiding throughout the city,” he said.

“As our forces valiantly pursue the mission of quelling rebellion in Marawi City, let me assure our soldiers that the Filipino people is completely behind you in this fight to restore order and maintain peace in Mindanao,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Duterte reiterated his promise to raise P50 billion to take care of the education of the soldiers’ children.

He said he will set up an independent foundation for the other benefits of the soldiers.

“I promise you, I will set up a foundation independently of the other benefits na nakuha niyo,” he said, highlighting that it will only be allocated for the children’s education.

President Duterte pointed out that the P30 billion worth of educational assistance will be raised in the next few years while the other P20 billion education fund has already been established.

“That P50 billion we can take care of the education of all your children,” President Duterte said.

Meanwhile, President Duterte said that he is a President for peace and that he is “not a wartime President.”

“I would have wanted really peace for my country,” President Duterte said.

“I’m willing to talk to Nur Misuari of the MNLF, Murad, ang NPA, just give me the document na signed by the Norway – Norwegian Government also because they offered the good offices for us to talk to them, so ibigay mo ‘yung dokumento at mag-usap tayo,” he added. ### PND