FOR the nth time, President Rodrigo Duterte hinted anew on resigning amid the recent violence in the Bangsamoro region where more than 100 militia men reportedly swooped down and sowed terror.
Speaking at the Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao, Duterte likewise warned the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to stop sowing violence in the region or face the consequences of an all-out offensive.
“If I cannot at least [bring] the barest minimum of a peaceful place then I have no reason to stay. It would be a failure, a real failure. I must be frank enough to say, you know, sorry. Sinubukan ko lahat, hindi umubra,” said the President three days after a faction of the Islamist militant group BIFF occupied a market in Datu Paglas town of that province for several hours.
“Is that the kind of government I can give to the people? I said if I can’t hack it, then you can demand my resignation and maybe I will consider it. If I can’t do it, replace me,” Duterte was quoted as saying before an audience which also had Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Cirilito Sobejano, Philippine National Police chief General Guillermo Eleazar, and Maguindanao local officials.
In issuing a stern warning against the BIFF, Duterte urged the extremist faction to stop killing or taking civilians as hostages because he would not allow an inch of refuge where they could hide even as he enjoined whoever has direct links with the group to consider cessation of hostilities.
“If they continue to kill civilians and if they continue to take hostage of a town, if they continue to kill my soldiers, I will be forced to do what is necessary. If I give the order, I will no longer withdraw it. I will not wait for the next President to do what he wants, kasi gusto ko talaga tapusin itong masasama,” Duterte added.
He further averred that the all-out offensive he is referring to would be bloody.
Duterte also warned people not to give the BIFF or other groups “sanctuary.” He is sure to hear about it.
“Please do not give them sanctuary, provide them a place to stay. Do not wait that I will call you to Malacañang. There are intelligence reports.”
Duterte appealed to persons who have a direct line to BIFF members to convince them to stop the violence.
“If there is still a chance for you to cross the line and talk to them, and tell them, not now. Do not commit atrocities that can no longer be stomached,” Duterte quipped.