“In the international front and community of nations, let me reiterate that the Republic of the Philippines will honor treaties and international obligations,” Duterte said during his first speech as 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Duterte, who took his oath of office in Malacanang, added, “In the domestic front my administration is committed to implement all signed peace agreements and set institutional and legal reforms.”

“I am elated by the expression of unity among our Moro brothers and leaders and the response of everyone else to my call for peace,” he said. “I look forward to the participation of a lot of stakeholders, particularly our indigenous peoples to ensure inclusivity in the peace process.”

Duterte, the first President from Mindanao, has vowed to bring real peace in the South amid the proliferation of armed groups, some linked to international terrorists.

He also has close ties with the Communist Party of the Philippines, which is waging the longest-running communist insurgency in Asia.

Before he was sworn into office, his representatives already met with leaders of the National Democratic Front, CPP’s political arm, to discuss the prospects of peace.

“Let me remind in the end of this talk that I was elected to the presidency to serve the entire country. I was not elected to serve the interest of any person or any group or any one class,” Duterte told more than 600 guests at the President’s Hall in Malacanang.

“I serve everyone and not only one,” he said.

Meanwhile outgoing President Benigno Aquino III left Malaca๑ang for good on Thursday morning after a brief meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte.

Aquino arrived at around 10:25 a.m., followed shortly by Duterte, who will soon be sworn in as the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

The two leaders then proceeded to the President’s Hall for a meeting that lasted around 30 minutes.

After the encounter, Duterte accompanied Aquino for the latter’s departure honors.

They walked on the red carpet together, from the staircase near the President’s Hall and out into the Palace grounds.

Aquino was given a 21-gun salute as part of the customary send-off. The two leaders stood side-by-side while saluting the Philippine flag.

They also engaged in small talk before Duterte walked Aquino to his vehicle.

Aquino, who left the Malaca๑ang compound shortly after 11 a.m., will be returning to his residence in Times St., Quezon City as a private citizen.