2nd Marine Brigade Headquarters Basketball Court, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo S. Bautista,
Bgy. Bus-Bus, Jolo, Sulu
August 12, 2016
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talked about the ongoing war against rebel groups, the possibility of peace talks, and better support to Filipino soldiers in a speech to the troops of different major services under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the 2nd Marine Brigade Headquarters Basketball Court, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo S. Bautista in Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo, province of Sulu.
The Commander-in-Chief spoke about the war against rebel groups, saying, “We don’t believe in killing people just to get control of government.”
He pointed out the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), saying that they use force instead of being voted in a proper election to win seats in the Government. He also reiterated his condemnation of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) use of landmines that is prohibited by the Geneva Conventions.
Nevertheless, the President added that, “We are still pursuing the talks, with or without Sison.”
He also talked about peace efforts with other groups, including the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), wherein Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza has made efforts to negotiate peace talks with MNLF leader Nur Misuari.
“I would like to appeal to all that we stop this war. I’m pleading para wala nang dugo,” the President said.
He added, “If you agree for a peace, I will lengthen the runway and make it operational day and night… I will bring the Arab investors here… I-guarantee mo lang ako na gusto na ninyong maghinto sa away at mag-usap tayo.”
The Commander-in-Chief also brought up the war against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), saying, “Those who want to destroy us, then you have to destroy. We not only fight, we destroy.”
“Lahat ng kailangan ninyo that could place you in a superior position to do your war, you will have it,” the President added to the applause of the Filipino troops. He also reiterated his promise to improve the infrastructure and purchase new equipment for the AFP Medical Center in Quezon City.
An estimated 230 troops from the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Philippine Navy (PN), and Philippine Army (PA) listened to the President in the talk.
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