FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — Refusing to cower in fear, President Duterte will push through with his planned visit to Lanao de Sur today despite the roadside explosion that injured several government troops.
The President has decided to defy the security recommendation to postpone his Mindanao trip, saying he even plans to take the sea route to Marawi City.
And if something bad happens to him, the President assured the nation that Vice President Leni Robredo could ably assume the top government post.
“I”m going there (even though) the advice is to postpone. If possible, I might take the sea route and I might even take the same route,” the President said in his impromptu remarks during the inauguration of the drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation center inside the military camp in Nueva Ecija.
The President said several Presidential Security Group (PSG) members were injured when an improvised explosive device was detonated in Marawi City on Tuesday morning. The troops, who were part of the advanced party for the President’s visit, have been brought to Cagayan de Oro for treatment.
Duterte admitted that there was trouble in Mindanao but the situation is “under control,” apparently alluding to military offensives against the Maute terror group in Lanao del Sur.
Aware of the latest gunfights in Lanao, Duterte hinted he was ready for any eventuality, assuring the public that a line of succession is in place.
“We have Vice President Leni Robredo. You can have a gentle president in exchange of discourteous mouth,” said Duterte, known for his profanity in public speeches.