It’s difficult to talk peace with Abu Sayyaf, Duterte admits

JOLO, Sulu—President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday said it was difficult to talk peace with the Abu Sayyaf because the group appeared to have no direction.

“I can sit down and talk peace with them anytime, request the AFP to stay put. (But) they are the problem,” he said during a visit to the military camp here.

“The problem is the Abu Sayyaf. I really don’t know whose identity (they are for) and for what. I have been talking to Nur, who said that he also can’t convince them,” he said.

“(So for) those who want to destroy us, you have to destroy them also. We not only fight (them) we have to destroy (them),” Mr. Duterte added.