President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday expressed uncertainty on how he would address terrorism in his two remaining years in office, but asserted that terrorists “will have no future” in the country.
“May dalawang taon pa ako, ewan ko kung ano ang magawa ko talaga. But you know when you go into fighting may galit na ‘yan. Mahirap ito aregluhin kasi lahat may sugat na sa puso. And it would take more than a generation to do this,” he said in front of troops in Jolo, Sulu.
In July, lawmakers passed a new anti-terrorism law that critics feared could be used to crush dissent.
Duterte pledged to continuously support and work with the troops in defeating terrorism.
“Bilang isang Pilipino ibibigay ko sa inyo ang lahat ng suporta na kailangan ninyo para matupad ang inyong misyon dito sa Jolo,” he said.
“I commit myself to work with you my dear troops to ensure that these terrorists will have no future in this country,” he added.
The first Mindanaoan president said “now more than ever” was the time to ensure terrorists will never succeed in their “pointless goals.”
Duterte also praised the troops’ efforts to serve the country even amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I know that the ongoing pandemic has not only made your responsibilities even more complicated and more hardships yet in the spirit of selflessness you remain strong in your mission for the Filipino people. Because of this, I am humbled by your commitment, inspired by your patriotism and grateful for a continued support,” he said. John Ezekiel J. Hirro