Enemies may have infiltrated govt — Marcos
PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday said his administration will not allow anyone to destabilize the government and sow division within the country.
The President made the statement during his visit to the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City where he asked members of the military to remain loyal and continue their service to the country.
“We will not allow agents within the country to destabilize our government and create division within our nation. So, I urge all of you to continue to [demonstrate] your loyalty, patriotism, and service to your country. And let that love of country remain as your compass in your duty to our country and to our people,” Marcos said.
The President also said the government is ready to fight and implement countermeasures to thwart any schemes and attempts to overthrow the government.
“The country’s enemies may just be hiding in the shadows or have even infiltrated the communities and institutions that the government seeks to protect,” he added, as he urged members of the Armed Forces to continue to develop skills and acquire more knowledge to combat “new forms of warfare, including those that extend up to the digital realm.”
“We must be prepared to fight false narratives, disinformation, and digital operations that seek to sow conflict against us and among us,” the President said.
There are persistent reports that retired and active high-ranking officials of the PNP are plotting to oust the President.
Last week, Marcos said the police had no reports of active police officers planning to destabilize the government.
Last Wednesday, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV said ongoing and previous coup attempts have failed because the perpetrators have failed to convince active officers to support their cause — which is supposedly to bring former president Rodrigo Duterte back to power or propel Vice President Sara Duterte to the presidency.
In his Talk to the Troops in Cagayan de Oro City, the President called on the armed forces to “keep the momentum” of their operations until all areas in the country are completely cleared of insurgency and terrorist influence.
Marcos said the government is committed to the development of the countryside and in the fight against insurgency.
He said the government, for instance, has invested P5.3 billion in 758 projects in 356 barangays as part of efforts to combat the communist insurgency.
He said these projects include infrastructure, roads, water systems, schools, and health centers, in which over 78 percent are now considered completed.
He also said that under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), 80 percent of former rebels in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions who availed of amnesty have already received benefits like livelihood training, financial assistance, and more importantly, educational opportunities.
