SMX Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City
March 9, 2017
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte asked the help of Mindanao local chief executives in the fight against terrorism during his meeting with selected mayors and governors from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Zamboanga Peninsula at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City.
“So that’s why I called for you, because kayo lang ang pwede talagang—to prevent it from spinning out of control…. because then as President, I will be forced, I will be compelled to exercise extraordinary powers,” the President said.
President Duterte encouraged the invited government officials to help him in his advocacy and asked them to talk to terrorists.
“Either tulungan ninyo ako or I will declare Martial Law tomorrow for Mindanao… We have to protect our nation, it is our high time to decide whether we exist with one nation or there will be a breakage in our society and our lives… I plead to you, nakikiusap ako na tulungan ninyo ako. Sabihin ninyo sa mga terorista huwag kayo dito—find a place that you are comfortable because you are making me uncomfortable,” he stressed.
The Chief Executive also warned those who will stand against the government advocacies.
“When can I really be sure na tutulong kayo sa gobyerno? If not, do not cuddle the enemy…kase mapapasubo ako salubungin kita…ngayon kung maipilitan ako mag martial law, then you coddle drugs and terrorists I’ll be force to arrest you, saying ang pagkakaibigan natin dito…” he said.
Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ismael Sueno, National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser (NSA) Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Guiling Mamondiong, Mindanao Development Authority Chairman Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, Presidential Adviser on OFWs and Muslim Concerns Abdulla Mama-o, Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año also attended the meeting.
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