PRESIDENT Duterte on Monday said he would be spending 10 days in Mindanao to craft the framework for peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
“I have to fix the Mindanao issue, I will look at the framework,” Mr. Duterte said.
But the chief executive made it clear talks with the Abu Sayyaf were out of the question.
“I will not deal with persons of extreme brutality. There is no redeeming factor or reason for me to sit down and talk with criminals,” he said.
Unlike the Moro rebel and communist groups, the Abu Sayyaf had no ideology, he said.
Mr. Duterte said he planned to hold discussions with MNLF founder Nur Misuari, who is a fugitive wanted for rebellion.
The President said he would give Misuari a safe conduct pass.
“If we would not get to talk, how can we fix these things?” he said. Leila B. Salaverria