PIAGAPO, Lanao del Sur--With the successful surrender of two members and 49 supporters of the Dawlah Islamiyah - Maute Group (DI-MG) Monday, April 11, the 103rd Infantry Brigade together with its 51st Infantry Battalion echoed its appeal to the public to cooperate in finally putting an end to the local terrorist group.
“Tama na iyong nalugmok tayo sa kalokohan at bayolenteng buhay. Hindi na ito panahon para doon. Panahon na ito ng kapayapaan, ng kalilintad at pag-aaruga ng ating sarili, pamilya at magandang kinabukasan,” said 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II.
[The time when we were stuck in deceit and violent lives is already enough. Now is not the time for that. This is already the time for peace, serenity, and nurturing of ourselves, our family, and a bright future.]
The brigade commander shared their anguish every time they would encounter these combatants on the field as the army still recognizes them as fellow Filipinos regardless of their religion.
Further, he even underscored that they are more pained thinking that their countrymen were the ones battling against them with their wrong ideology that twists the truth about Islam and has convinced a lot of people, especially the youths, which led to the destruction of their lives and future.
Cuerpo emphasized that every individual is allowed to live in peace, hence, the unnecessary killings as this only pave the unjust way.
He then called on the citizens to not be swayed anymore as he asserted that if the DI-MG advocates for peace as what they have been telling everyone in the name of religion, then why would they use firearms and kill men.
Cuerpo stressed that the only key to not being induced by false beliefs is the right information and comprehension of Islam.
“Ako ay nanawagan muli na buksan na ang ating kaisipan, mata at puso. Huwag na nating hayaang isara ito at mapunta tayo sa maling daan. Andito ang gobyerno at mga kasamahang sundalo. Andito kami. Handa kaming makipagtulungan upang maibigay kung anuman ang dapat na maibigay sa inyo doon sa barangay at maipasok ang serbisyo ng gobyerno upang maipaunlad natin ang buhay natin,” he said.
[I am asking once again to open our minds, eyes, and hearts. Let us not allow these to be closed and lead us to the wrong path. The government and our fellow soldiers are here. We are ready to work together to give whatever should be given to you in the barangay and bring the services of the government to improve our lives.] (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)
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