Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu City
February 12, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte met with the local chief executives who came from the Visayas and Mindanao to discuss national security problems and remind them of their oath of office as workers of the government.

In his speech, President Duterte extended his support to the local chief executives for their programs that will help make the life of the Filipino people comfortable.

“If there’s anything I can really do for you, personally or if you want my intervention in your governance, may nahirapan kayo dito o kulang ang pera ninyo, sabihin mo lang,” he said.

He also reminded them about utilizing their local police to combat illegal drugs and terrorism in their respective areas.

“Itong droga and terorista, sabay talaga sila ‘yan. You make use of your police, kapag walang ginawa, sipain mo… Hindi pwede ang tatamad-tamad na pulis, lalo na yung corrupt na pulis,” he said.

The Chief Executive also warned them about the possibility of imminent terrorist activities in the country and asked for their help in maintaining peace and order in the country.

“The terrorists are spreading in the Philippines, you know that. Kaya ko kayo pinatawag para malaman niyo na there is trouble brewing because of regrouping of some terrorists,” he said.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Eduardo Año, National Security Adviser (NSA) Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., and Presidential Assistant for Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino accompanied the President during the meeting.

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