SONA 2025: Marcos says PH now more peaceful with guerilla fronts eliminated

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said on Monday that the Philippines is now more peaceful with the elimination of guerrilla fronts.

Marcos said this during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), noting that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and former rebels are working together to maintain peace and order in the country. 

“Sa wakas, wala na ring nalalabing grupong gerilya sa bansa, at titiyakin ng pamahalaan na wala nang mabubuo muli,” the President said. 

(Finally, there are no guerrilla groups left in the country, and the government will ensure that none will be formed again.)

“Magkakasangga 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 at mas mapangalaga rin sa karapatang-pantao, anuman ang edad, kasarian, kundisyon, o pangkat,” he added. 

(The AFP, PNP, and former rebels now work together in maintaining peace and order in BARMM. Therefore, our society is more peaceful now, giving more importance to human rights, regardless of age, gender, condition, or group.) 

Marcos said that the government is helping thousands of former rebels and their families to start a new life. Their communities are also being developed, and they are being provided livelihood through the help of the private sector, he added.

Aside from employment programs, the President said that over 13 million Filipinos saved from armed conflict are also currently benefiting from the health stations, classrooms, water systems, and streetlights built by the government. —VBL, GMA Integrated News