President Duterte assured justice will be served and culprits will be punished in the recent shooting incident in Jolo, Sulu that resulted in the death of four soldiers.
Roque disclosed this during the Laging Handa Public Briefing on Friday. The President decided to go to Zamboanga with other officials to find out all the details of the incident.
“Alam po niya na mayroong mga masasama ang loob lalo na doon sa parte ng ating Hukbong Sandatahan na ang feeling nila naging biktima sila ng murder sa kamay ng ating kapulisan. Nandoon po ang Presidente para magbigay assurance na makakamit po ang katarungan (He knows there are those frustrated especially on the part of the Armed Forces who feel that they were victims of murder in the hands of the police force. The President is there to ensure justice.),” Roque said.
“Nandoon din po siya para i-lift ang morale ng lahat ng kasundaluhan, ng kapulisan, dahil alam naman niya na kung may pagkakamali talaga, eh pwede namang iwasto po iyan (He is there to lift the morale of all military men, police because he knows that if there is a wrongdoing, it could be straightened out),” Roque added.
The Palace expressed concern as it is aware that the fugitives being chased by the slain soldiers have escaped amid the incident.
“Siyempre po ‘no, dahil ibig sabihin iyong pinaplano ng mga teroristang iyan na mangbomba ay pwedeng mangyari (Of course, because it means that the plan of the terrorists to bomb can possibly happen),” Roque cautioned.
“Nakakalungkot po na bagama’t—in addition doon sa nawalan ng buhay sa ating Hukbong Sandatahan, iyong apat kasama ang isang major, eh nakawala po iyong mga teroristang hinahabol ng ating Hukbong Sandatahan (We are saddened because in addition to the lost lives in the Armed Forces, that of the four soldiers including a major, the terrorists have escaped),” the presidential spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, Roque assured the Presidential Security Group (PSG) will ensure the safety of the Chief Executive during his visit in Zamboanga amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So he’s risking his life by going to Zamboanga, pero ganoon po ka-importante ang misyon niya (but that’s how important his mission is).” – Report from Mela Lesmoras
