Duterte asks soldiers to ‘crush’ terrorists and communists

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday reiterated his order to soldiers to “crush” enemies of the state including communist rebels.

The President made the pronouncements after he earlier hinted at the possible resumption of peace negotiations with communist rebels.

“At isa pang kalaban na sumisira sa buhay natin, ay itong mga terorista, kasali na ang NPA (New People’s Army) kasali na ang mga kidnap for ransom andyan sa Jolo, ang Abu Sayyaf at lahat na,” Duterte said during the 84th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

(Another enemy that is destroying our lives, these are the terrorists, including the NPA, including the kidnappers for ransom and those in Jolo, the Abu Sayyaf and all that.)

“At ang utos ko sa kanila at pag sila ay lumaban, durugin para matapos na ang problema ng Pilipino,” he added.

(And my order to soldiers is to crush them to end the Dilipino problem.)

The Chief Executive assured soldiers that they have his support and even declared openess in taking full legal responsibility for his order.

“Ako sa utos ko na yan, na ubusin ninyo sila, sabihin ko sa inyo, (In my order to crush them, I am telling you) 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,” he said.

Last Friday, an improvised explosive device killed two people and injured 15 others in Barangay Libuton, Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

One of those killed was a police officer.

The military said the attack was carried out by the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Duterte likewise hailed soldiers for being the “utusan ng bayan” (country’s errand boys) for being there in times of armed conflict and disasters.

“Our soldiers, they are everything, and that is why you should love your soldiers,” he said.