Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte vows to make peace with different rebel forces in the country in just 3 to 6 months, should he win the election this year.
The tough-talking mayor made the promise as he talked to residents of Barangay Durian in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, after the releasing of abducted soldier Corporal Adriano Bingil by the New People’s Army on New Year’s Eve.
Duterte said that his peace advocacy involves discussions with different groups, such as the Communist Party of the Philippines, National Democratic Front (NDF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), indigenous peoples and groups who have been victims of injustice.
“I will go into inclusive talks with all – NPA, CPP, NDF, and I would talk to the MNLF, MILF,” he said. “You cannot promote peace in this country by remaining divisive in your dimensions about the struggles of life.
He also repeated his promise to stop corruption, illegal drugs and criminality.
Duterte, who has been dubbed “The Punisher” by Time magazine, has been criticized by human rights groups for his iron-fist approach to criminality.
In his latest political advertisement aired December last year, “The Punisher” had this message for drug traffickers, corrupt officials, and other criminals:
-John Esconde
