MANILA, July 6 — Despite offers of ground support from the New People’s Army (NPA) for the disintegration of ISIS fighters in Marawi City, President Rodrigo Duterte remains cautious about working with the revolutionary group.
His lack of absolute trust stems from the NPA’s inconsistent statements, the president said.
“Ang hindi ko talaga maintindihan, kung meron ditong nakikinig na NPA, talagang sumasabog ‘yung ulo ninyo,” he said during his visit to the 1002nd Infantry (Bagwis) Brigade at BGen Agaab, Barangay Malandag, Malungon, Sarangani Province on Wednesday. “First, you directed your soldiers to fight, to engage us, government.”
“Maya-maya, nagsabi kayo, tutulong kayo to fight alongside with government” President Duterte said.
“Maya-maya, nandito na naman, fight na naman kayo. Despite of just really doing what you want to say or say what you want to do. Ito, ineengkwentro na naman ninyo ako. Kaya ako, hind ako kumu-kumpiyansa,” he added.
This is the reason why he has ordered the issuance of .45 caliber guns for members of the military and police forces.
“Lahat kayo, binilhan ko ng — ‘yung ipinamigay ko na prize. It’s a .45,” he said. “Rock Island .45. It’s made in the US. Ito ‘yung initial offerings ng Armscor. Bibilhan ko kayo lahat kagaya ng pulis. Isa-isa kayo.”
President Duterte also noted that this is no time for the military to be complacent, especially outside of their camps.
“Kasi kayong mga sundalo, alam ninyo, paglabas ninyo sa kampo, nahalata ko ‘yan. Matagal akong mayor eh. Paturatoy kayo, lakad-lakad diyan,” he said.
He added, “Alam mo ang NPA, hindi maghintay ‘yan kung may armas ka o hindi. Makapatay ka ng isa, one less enemy para sa kanila. Kawawa kasi kayo, wala kayo gaya ng pulis ‘yung may armas.”
Instead, the military should learn the art of survival and be observant of the people around them even outside of their duties. (PCO Davao/PNA)
