AFP urged to ‘crush’ illegal drugs, terrorism

Duterte tagged the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Abu Sayyaf as his “enemies”, saying they were responsible for wreaking havoc on the lives of many. (File photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday renewed his call for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to “crush” illegal drugs and terrorism to ensure a safer country for the future generations of Filipinos.

During the 84th AFP anniversary at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, the President vowed to take full responsibility for the consequences of his war on drugs and terrorism.

“Ang utos ko sa kanila, at pag sila’y lumaban, durugin para matapos na ang problema ng Pilipino (My order to them is that if they retaliate, crush them to end the problems of all Filipinos),” Duterte said in his speech.

Duterte tagged the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Abu Sayyaf as his “enemies”, saying they were responsible for wreaking havoc on the lives of many.

“Try to make this country as peaceful as it can ever be. Ako sa utos ko na ‘yan na ubusin ninyo sila, sabihin ko sa inyo (My order to you is to finish them off), time and again, I take full legal responsibility for it,” he added.

Duterte defended anew his drug war, saying he could not afford to have at least “one-fourth of the population disoriented, insane because of drugs.”

He also acknowledged that illegal drugs remain to be a global problem that needed to be addressed.

“That is why I declared war. War is war. Itong droga (Drugs) is worldwide. It is not limited to any country which borders. It is almost seamless. At lahat nagdudusa (Everyone suffers),” Duterte said.

He also expressed hope that the AFP will fight corruption within its halls through internal reforms to improve the financial state of soldiers.

Love your soldier

Recognizing the organization’s “selfless service”, Duterte thanked the AFP for defending the nation from external and internal security threats and for providing humanitarian and disaster response in times of disaster.

Duterte also called on the public to provide them with support as they risked their lives in making the country safer and more secure.

“If there is [disorder], they establish order. If there is a lawless environment, they provide stability. Ang sundalo natin, (Our soldiers) they are everything and that is why you should love your soldier. Tayong mga Pilipino, tulungan natin (Us Filipinos, should help them),” Duterte said.

“The dependability and reliability of the AFP have been recently tested after the series of earthquakes that rocked Mindanao and the storm and flooding that inundated [parts] of Luzon and in some areas in the Visayas. Know that for your selfless service during these times of need, the entire nation will be grateful,” he added.

Duterte asked members of the AFP to remain committed in their duty as the primary force in ensuring lasting peace across the country.

“The Filipino people will continue to count on you, each one of you, to remain steadfast in your noble mission to defend our sovereignty and maintain peace in our communities and you should not fail,” he added.

He also vowed to give them his “unqualified support” as the government continues to address threats to national security.

Prior to his speech, Duterte also inspected newly-acquired military assets.

He also led the awarding of honors to several distinguished military personnel.