“If we cannot really agree, then we fight and we fight hard hanggang magkaubusan na (we finish everyone off). Maybe by that time, kung ubos na ang lahat, wala ng giyera (when no one is left, there won’t be war).”
This was President Rodrigo Duterte’s comment on how he plans to address the deep-rooted conflict in Mindanao, noting that it seems like an “impossible dream.”
Duterte appeared before government military forces to honor their comrades who have died in the twin blasts in Jolo, Sulu last week.
“But if in the God’s time, maybe – kailan ‘yon (when is that)? – we will have a time to talk and to ponder about peace.”
He said that as long as there is bitterness and anger amongst parties involved, there would be no choice left but to fight to death.
“May dalawang taon pa ako, ewan ko kung ano ang magawa ko talaga. But you know when you are into fighting may galit na ‘yan. Mahirap ito aregluhin kasi lahat may sugat na sa puso (I have two years left, I don’t know what I can really do. But you know when you’re into fighting there’s really anger. It will be difficult to resolve because there’s bitterness in their hearts),” he said.
Duterte said it would “take more than a generation” to solve the decades-long insurgency in Mindanao and expressed hope that future leaders would be able to achieve.
The president also urged the troops that the only way to honor the “ultimate sacrifice” of their fallen comrades is to continue their fight against terrorism.
“The recent bombings that took the lives of several civilians including those of your fellow soldiers will only further strengthen our resolve to crush the lawless elements behind this cowardly act,” he said.
“Right now, our entire nation is dealing with the global health crisis yet enemies of the state will still find the energy to perpetuate the acts of violence and terrorism. Now more than ever our nation needs our Armed Forces to ensure that these terrorists will never succeed in their pointless goals,” he said.
He also vowed to support the Armed Forces in addressing terrorism in Jolo, Sulu.
