Duterte to US troops: Give us space for peace talks

President Rodrigo Duterte. PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

CAMP TECSON, BULACAN—The American forces in Mindanao may have to temporarily leave the strife-torn region to give space for peace talks between the government and Moro rebels, President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said.

Duterte’s statement came after he said that United States Special Forces must leave Mindanao, saying they would only worsen security risks in the region.

But speaking to the scout rangers here, the President clarified his statement.

“Kaya sabi ko sa Mindanao, I never said go out. One day I will decide umalis muna kayo para to give us space to talk,” he said.

The President said the Moros had expressed their sentiments that peace talks would hardly succeed unless the Americans leave Mindanao.

“Right after elections, I personally sent my son. Gusto ko makipag-usap ng peace…Sabi nila, for as long as nandiyan Amerikano sa likod ng government niyo, ‘di kami makikipag-usap,” Duterte said.

(I want to talk peace [with the Moros]. They told us, for as long as the Americans are behind your government, we won’t talk.)

The chief executive said the Moro rebels believed that the Americans were still “maneuvering” the Philippines. TVJ