Duterte to 6th ID troopersand 'Protect our people, I will protect you'

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday assured the officers, men and women of the 6th Infantry Division that as the country's commander in chief, he will protect law enforcers for performing their sworn duties. Speaking before the soldiers here before proceeding to Buluan, Maguindanao to inaugurate a bio-mass power plant, Duterte lauded the soldiers doing well in their peace efforts within Central Mindanao which paved the way for the bolster of the economic activities in the region. The 6th ID has been spearheading twin approach against Moro rebellion in Central Mindanao region with peace as its primordial concern in conflict affected communities. It lost hundreds of fighters defending the region from armed lawless elements. He also assured all soldiers not to be bothered with work-related cases as long as they incurred such while doing their job well. As long as you are on the right track, you need not worry because I will protect you,” Duterte told the soldiers soliciting applause. Duterte, his cabinet secretaries and military top brass arrived here at 2 p.m. from Western Mindanao command and warmly welcomed by Maj.Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th ID chief. Duterte was accompanied by National Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, AFP Chief of Staff General Ricardo R. Visaya, Philippine Army Commanding General Lt General Eduardo M. Año, Philippine Air Force Commander Lt General Edgar Fallorina, Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Caesar C. Taccad, and Western Mindanao Command Commander Mayoralgo M. Dela Cruz during the visit. The chief executive said he will tap the armed forces to help him fight illegal drugs in the county that affect thousands of Filipinos. The country's 16th president and first Mindanaon leader to set foot in Malacanang, gamely pose with soldiers and their families for groupie, earning him the moniker as the most approachable president. sand//scontent.fceb2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13775754_518773698329112_8562336417439598232_n.jpg?oh=1524142749c7e2406de7f30f61ae740dandampoe=5819C8F9 President Duterte with the 6th ID commander Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan and Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana (right) - photo courtesy of 6th ID Kampilan troopers)