Duterte to troops: Don’t let PH disintegrate
“Do not allow the country to disintegrate.”
That was President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to state forces as he reminded them of their duty to protect the people amid the drug and terrorism problem the country is facing.
“I am just saying that the ultimate warriors sa Constitution to protect the people is the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” he told the troops in a speech at Camp Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela.
“Just do what is the mandate of the Constitution and I will take care of you,” he added.
Duterte said state forces should not be worried about facing charges as long as they were doing their duty.
“I will not allow one policeman or one military to go to jail for doing his duty,” he said.
The President said he takes full responsibility for his orders and stands by them even if he would have to go to jail.
“Sa panahon kong six years, wala kayong takot. Lahat ng gawin ninyo sa utos ko, akin yan. Ako ang magpakulong. Sabihin lang ninyo utos yan ni mayor Duterte,” he said.
(In my six-year term, You should have no fear. Whatever you do under my orders, that’s my [responsibility]. I would be willing to go to jail. Just tell them it’s mayor Duterte’s orders.)
To support AFP, fight drugs
Duterte vowed to support the AFP as they intensify their war against terrorism.
“Abu Sayyaf no longer hungers for independence in Mindanao and no longer hungry for autonomy. They are hungry for a fight to establish caliphate in Southeast Asia,” he said.
He ordered the troops to “study the profiling of a bomber or a terrorist.”
The President said he would provide the armaments needed by soldiers to defeat terrorists.
“You will get anything you need. Walang problema ibigay ko sa inyo lahat (No problem, I’ll give you everything),” he said.
He said that drugs, terrorism and even corruption were the country’s primary problems.
He said “it’s a long fight ahead” but urged state forces to protect the people and the country.
“Do not allow the country to disintegrate,” he said. CDG
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