(CNN Philippines, June 7) — President Rodrigo Duterte again boosts troop morale in the wake of the Marawi City crisis.
His message to members of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat: Remain steadfast in protecting the people.
To show he is one with their cause, the president gave out his business card.
“Call me if you need anything,” he told the soldiers.
He said ₱20 billion has been identified to set up a foundation for the education of soldiers’ children, and said he wants to add ₱30 billion to the fund.
The President then pointed out there will be no talks with the Maute group.
“I will not talk anymore kasi marami na ang sundalo ko namatay. Marami nang pulis ko namatay [a lot of my soldiers have died. A lot of my policemen have died]… Not anymore,” he said.
He added he will only talk with the Moro National Liberation Front, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the New People’s Army, provided the communists can come up with documents signed by the Norwegian government who is facilitating the talks.
“Give me that document and we can talk,” he said.
Duterte said if NPA members want to join the government’s side, he will take them in as soldiers.
Duterte points out he’s a president for peace – and he gets hurt every time a Filipino is killed.
