AFP supports Duterte’s plan to befriend the Maute armed rebels.
Military announced that they will support President Rodrigo Duterte about his plan to befriend the ISIS-linked Maute terrorist group.
Duterte shared to the media that he will befriend the Maute Militants by saying, “Kakaibiganin ko sila para walang gulo (I will befriend them so there will be no trouble).”
President Rodrigo Duterte previously announced to the public that the Maute Group is linked to the international terror network Islamic State (ISIS).
In a recent news report of ABS-CBN news, the Armed Forces Of The Philippines (AFP) announced that they will support President Duterte to his plan.
This was confirmed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in an interview with DZMM. Wherein he said they are willing to sacrifice and give the terrorists a chance.
“Lahat ng anunsyo ng pangulo, sinusuportahan namin kasi ang kanyang direksyon ngayon is to reach out and give them a chance,” he said.
During his interview, Padilla clarified that everyone should be given a chance to reform and change their ways.
In a previous report, in a speech delivered during the inauguration of a drug rehabilitation center, Duterte cited the importance of talking to armed groups.
He also renewed his call to change the type of government from the unitary to federal, believing this would solve the Moro rebellion.
Furthermore, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Padilla said that if members of the Maute group refuse to talk with the government, the full force of law should be applied.
Padilla explained that the military is open to provide opportunities for the rebellious group, but when they cannot change or repent for their actions, they become accountable for their crime.
President Duterte still believed that he can stop the rebellion through talking in peace although it requires compromise. As he said the government is not yet keen on waging war against the Maute terrorist group that has occupied parts of Butig, Lanao del Sur.