Duterte asks for more time to address terrorism in Mindanao

Philippines’ president-elect Rodrigo Duterte AFP FILE PHOTO

DAVAO CITY—Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday vowed to address the problem of terrorism in Mindanao but asked for more time.

“This Abu Sayyaf (issue), just give me the luxury of time. I cannot do it just immediately. There are things which I need, which we don’t have now,” Duterte told business executives during a consultative workshop with his incoming Cabinet members here.

He said solving terrorism in Mindanao would attract more investors in the Philippines.

The tough-talking local executive said he needs to jumpstart the peace talks with the Moros before confronting the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

“I have to have a firm commitment from our Moro brothers about the continuity of the (peace) talks. As soon as I get that guarantee na talagang peaceful, that you are not protecting terrorists, when I have it in my hands, I will be ready to confront the Abu Sayyaf,” he said.

He shared his dream of having a unified Filipinos living in a peaceful Philippines.

“My dream really is one day, all Filipinos would just say Filipinos and we do not at all mention if he’s left or right, he’s a Moro rebel or a Moro terrorist, and he can live in peace,” he said.

“I have six years to do it. I do not know how many concessions God can (give), but he made me a President, so I hope He helps me,” he said. TVJ