President Rodrigo Roa Duterte interacts with unit troops in formation during his visit in Brgy. Palayan Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – President Duterte asked the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to cut their ties with the terrorist groups Abu Sayyaf if they want peace talks with the government to move forward.
“Ang gusto ko lang marinig sa MILF at MNLF, na iyang Abu Sayyaf na iyan, wala na ang koneksyon nila. Kasi ang armas ng Abu Sayyaf, iyon ang armas nila noon,” Duterte said during his speech here before soldiers.
He said the government is willing to give a safe conduct pass to MNLF chairman Nur Misuari in time for the start of the formal peace talks next month.
Aside from Misuari, Duterte is also keen on giving a safe conduct pass to CPP-NPA founder Jose Ma. Sison.
MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim had expressed before his willingness to join the peace talks under the Duterte administration.
Duterte said the government would be ready in case the peace talks fails.
“We will be ready for an instant failure,” he said, adding that he would improve the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
He called on soldiers to be ready anytime.
“Di natin alam bigla na lang mag-away at gulo, it is always a comforting thought na meron akong armed forces na ready just in case di tayo magkaintindihan,” he said.
“You’ll have everything you need para di dehado sa bakbakan,” he added.
He said the government is eyeing 20,000 more soldiers to ensure peace and combat terrorism especially in Southern Philippines.