by Rene V. Carbayas
“Ayoko ng away, gusto ko mag-usap lang (I
don’t like quarrel, let’s talk) and to see a very prosperous Basilan,” the
President said speaking before men and women of the Armed Forces, Philippine
National Police, and other sectors present during his visit at the 104th
Infantry Brigade base in Barangay Tabiawan, this city.
Amidst the ongoing military operations versus
the Abu Sayyaf in the hinterlands of Tipo-Tipo, south of Basilan, the President
called on the people not to nurture and even entertain hatred.
Hatred, he said fueled some people to sow
terror and commit crimes, like what the Abu Sayyafs are doing.
“Ako ay nakiki-usap sa lahat (I am appealing
to everyone), I am pleading for peace pati sa mga Abu Sayyaf (even to the Abu
Sayyaf). You have committed so many crimes, killing people unnecessarily,” he
said, adding that government troops will continue to be deployed in Basilan because
of kidnapping and killing.
While at the brigade, the President met with
different sectors on three occasions. Upon disembarkation from the Presidential
chopper, he immediately met with officials of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines and the Philippine National Police in a closed-door meeting. After
about an hour, the President met with the people, soldiers, and the police in a
courtyard where he delivered a message. He sometimes broke protocol and mingled
with the crowd who were eager to grab a photo with the President.
After the photo opportunity of some groups
with the President, the ceremonial distribution of food packs was conducted to
some 150 persons displaced by the ongoing conflict in Tipo-Tipo and nearby
towns. The President personally handed the food packs, hugging some one of them
as they received the goods.
In one of his conversations with IDPs, the
President assured them of government’s help to rebuild their homes as soon as
the military operation is concluded.
President Duterte also commended the security
forces of the government for a job well done in quelling a rebellion. “But you
must remember that they’re our brothers and sisters. Do not nurture hate. Trabaho
lang ‘yan,” reminded the commander-in-chief.
“Sa mga kapatid kong Moro, kasi alam ko na
napabayaan kayo. Alam ko ‘yan. At alam ko na-oppress kayo. (To our Moro
siblings, I know you were neglected. I know that. And I know that you were
oppressed). That is why we’re having these talks, baka magkaroon tayo ng
federalism, ‘yan ang hinihingi ng mga leader ninyo (We might consider
federalism, that is what your leaders are asking),” he said.
However, the President stressed that there is
a law and that government has to maintain the Republic, “because to secede…
hindi pwede ‘yan,” the President remarked when he brought up the topic of
federalism.
Lastly, he met with the local chief executives
(LCEs) in a closed-door meeting. An official revealed that the President’s
meeting with LCEs centered on the national government’s assurance that more
help in terms of programs and projects will be poured in Basilan.