MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, December 13, called for unity amid major problems such as the Mindanao secession, illegal drugs and the communists.
During the PDP-Laban’s Christmas benefit dinner for Marawi City held in Pasay City, the President identified these concerns as the most pressing problems that require urgent attention.
The President warned that the Mindanao problem will explode one day if nothing is done. He said the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) wants territory that may require amending the Constitution.
His administration is also talking peace with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Given the present Mindanao situation and the Islamic extremism that rages in the Middle East, the President said ISIS-linked groups who lost territories in the Middle East may go to Mindanao to foment trouble, which threatens the country’s security and law and order.
“So the aim of the PDP is really to get a consensus if we can have a structure at least maski drawing to preserve… ito maski drawing lang o… then we have to restructure,” Duterte said.
He also called on his political opponents and the media organizations critical of his administration to join him in addressing these national concerns in order for the country not to end up being dismembered.
Also during Wednesday’s event, President Duterte renewed his commitment to fight corruption in government, the spread of illegal drugs, as well as criminality.
The PDP-Laban held the fundraising Christmas dinner at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City as part of its efforts to help rebuild war-torn Marawi City. The proceeds of Wednesday’s Christmas fundraiser will be donated for the reconstruction of Marawi City.
The fundraising campaign was led by President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who is also the party’s secretary general.
Over 1,000 guests, including members of Congress, Cabinet secretaries, local chief executives and other high-ranking government officials attended the event.
The PDP-Laban has been active in Marawi City’s rebuilding efrorts since day one of the conflict through its humanitarian arm, PDP-Laban Cares. It supported the people of Marawi Ciy through its aid operations.
Last December 5, a team from PDP-Laban Cares distributed more than 1,500 holiday packages and boxes of fruits to Maranao families. (PND)
