PORT MORESBY – President Duterte has ruled out any government-led bombing of communist rebels despite their atrocities against the people.
The President said the military has enough air assets to combat the rebels but he does not want more deaths from bombs that could be dropped against the group.
“Karami kong helicopters pati jet fighters diyan. Hindi ko nga pinapabomba kayo kasi naaawa ako diyan sa mga madamay [I have many helicopters and jet fighters. But I didn’t allow the bombing because I pity those who will be killed],” he said during a meeting with the Filipino community Friday night
“You know I have not used my planes against them. Sabi ko sa sundalo huwag kasi madamay ‘yung — eh bomba eh. May mga helicopters kayo sige ‘yon na lang ang gamitin ninyo [I told the soldiers not to use them because some people will be affected by the bombs. We have helicopters so use them instead],” he said.
The President also refused to resume talks with communist leader Jose Maria Sison due to his arrogance. Duterte was annoyed by Sison for thinking he was superior to others even though his group lacks military might.
“Itong komunista si Maria Sison, hambugero. Kaya napeste ako sabi ko ayaw ko nang makipag-usap sa iyo [This communist Maria Sison is arrogant. I was annoyed so I said I don’t want to talk to him],’ he said.
“Ang tapang-tapang magsalita wala namang eroplano, ni saranggola wala. P***** i** karami kong helicopters pati jet fighters diyan… Air Force heron aka, Navy meron ako [He talks tough but he has no airplane, even a kite. Son of a b*tch, I have many helicopters and jet fighters. I have the air force, navy ],” he said.
Duterte insisted that he was not afraid of the communist group, and even reminded Sison and his group to “come to their senses.”
“Bakit ako matakot sa inyo? Until you come to your senses, you reduce your size in the proper dimension. Huwag kang masyadong hambog,” he said.
President Duterte earlier terminated the peace talks with the communist rebel group in protest of the attacks on government troops and other communities. He said the government would only resume talks if the rebels agree to a ceasefire, stop extortion, drop the demand for a coalition government, among others. (Genalyn Kabiling)
