DAVAO CITY — Without saying a word, President Rodrigo Duterte kissed the soil where soldiers were killed in a blast in Patikul, Jolo, Sulu on Sunday.
Duterte who is known for his heart for law enforcers who stand with the government fight against terrorism and criminalities was noticeably walking with a heavy heart to the crime scene.
After kissing the ground, Duterte talked to the uniformed officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) based at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Headquarters, he said the soldiers died for defending the land “That’s why when I visited the blast — and thank you for sharing with me the gesture — lumuhod ako, hinalikan ko ‘yung at least semento to where my soldiers and the countless and — at saka ‘yung mga Tausug na walang kasalanan — their lives snuffed out for no reason at all”.
“Walang kasalanan kaya ako lumuhod, hinalikan ko ‘yung lupa kasi hindi lang man nakapagtawag ‘yung “Allah, I commit my…” o nagpaka-sign of the cross before dying,” he added.
Duterte vowed to give full support to the troop in crushing the terrorists who are believed to have a mole in Patikul which the soldiers believe still has followers on the island.
“To our troops, I stand in solidarity with you as we honor the memory of your comrades, my soldiers, who gave their lives in the name of peace here in Sulu. The recent bombings that took the lives of several civilians including those of your fellow soldiers will only further strengthen our resolve to crush the lawless elements behind this cowardly act,” Duterte said in his speech.
The August 24 bombings in Patikul, according to Duterte is an unfortunate incident that proved that the government should never be complacent when it comes to terrorism. He emphasized, “Lagi ninyong tandaan na ang kaligtasan ng ating mamamayan at mga komunidad ang inyong prayoridad (Always remember the safety of our people and their communities is your priority)”.
While the government is dealing with the health crisis brought about by the global pandemic of coronavirus-19, it is again faced with problems involving acts of violence and extremism, “Now more than ever our nation needs our Armed Forces to ensure that these terrorists will never succeed in their pointless goals,” the President added.
“Bilang isang Pilipino ibibigay ko sa inyo ang lahat ng suporta na kailangan ninyo para matupad ang inyong misyon dito sa Jolo. I commit myself to work with you my dear troops to ensure that these terrorists will have no future in this country,” he stressed.
Duterte conferred the Lapu-Lapu award to the fallen soldiers as he ordered the military to continue the fight against the extremist terrorists.-Editha Z, Caduaya/Newsline.ph
