President Rodrigo Duterte rallied the military on Thursday to prepare for a new war -- the war against terrorism.
In his speech before the members of the Philippine Army First Scout Ranger regiment, the President warned that terrorism is something everyone should be prepared for.
"Whether you like it or not, the new war coming is terrorism," Duterte said.
"Sa ayaw mo't sa hindi, it's not a question or issue of when. Hindi lang natin alam, pero puputok talaga ito because of the radical changes." [Whether you like it or not, it's not a question or issue of when. We just don't know, but this for sure, will happen because of the radical changes.]
The President also asked for the soldiers for understanding and to reach out to the rebels and to make peace with them, even after decades of fighting.
"Wag nyo ako pagdudahan [do not doubt me] because I can cross ideological border. I have to look for ways to maintan peace," said Duterte.
Duterte added that peace must be established for the country to face bigger problems together.
"My job under the Constitution is to look for peaceful way to settle disputes so we can live together. Because the soldiers can fight forever," he explained.
The President also noted he had to take drastic steps to reach out to Moro rebels – even up to the extent of asking the American troops to leave Mindanao.
"The fighting is now one century old... Ang tingin nila [They think] we are an extension of the series of imperialism. There can never be peace. They think it's still the Americans maneuvering," he said.
"One day I must decide, umalis muna kayo to give us space to talk."
[Translation: They see us as an extension of imperialism. There can never be peace. They think it's still the Americans maneuvering. One day I must decide, leave us for a moment to give us space to talk.]
The President also promised about 2,000 Scout Rangers that each of them would receive a Glock 30 in .45 ACP - a gift that certainly put a smile on the soldiers' faces.
Aside from this, Duterte promised to give the military whatever it needs to win its war against terrorists.
"Basta sa panahon ko, ibigay ko lahat sa inyo ang kailangan nyo para manalo kayo… Next year, kung maganda ang income, libre na ang mga anak nyo. Kindergarten to high school."
[Translation: During my time, I will give whatever you need to win… Next year, if the income's good, your children will have free education from Kindergarten to High School.]
Source / Image: CNN Philippines
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