MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated his order to soldiers to “crush” enemies of the state including communist rebels.
In a speech at the 84th Anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday night, the Chief Executive has tasked the government forces to destroy local terrorists who are still making violent attacks.
“Isa pang kalaban na sumisira sa buhay natin ay itong mga terrorista, kasali na ang NPA (New People’s Army), kasali na ang mga kidnap-for-ransom nandyan sa Jolo, ang Abu Sayyaf, at lahat na. Ang utos ko sa kanila (AFP), at pag sila (terrorists) ay lumaban, durugin para matapos na ang problema ng Pilipino,” Duterte said.
He assured soldiers that they have his support and even declared openness in taking full legal responsibility for his order.
“Sa utos ko na yan, na ubusin ninyo sila, sabihin ko sa inyo, time and again, I take full legal responsibility. I and I alone…will go to prison. You can enjoy your freedom. I will take the risk,” Duterte said.
The President also hailed soldiers for being the utusan ng bayan for being there in times of armed conflict and disasters.
“Our soldiers, they are everything, and that is why you should love your soldiers. Tayong mga Pilipino, tulungan natin,” President Duterte said./PN
