The United States and Israel have extended military assistance to the Philippines in addressing the threat of the communist rebellion, President Duterte disclosed last Wednesday.
The President said helicopters and drones have been deployed to track down armed rebels although he has barred them from dropping bombs on the enemies of the State.
“Maraming tumutulong sa Israel, USA. Kaya nakikita kayo sa drone, helicopter. Gusto nila na titirahin kayo diyan sa taas. Ako lang ang tiga-pigil,” Duterte said during his visit to Masbate.
The President, who remained open to the possibility of resuming the peace talks, said he prefers the rebels to lay down their arms and surrender to authorities.
“Sabi ko, huwag na. Pasalubungin mo na lang ng sundalo, baka makumbinsi mo pang mag-surrender,” he added.
Duterte has offered to give the rebels housing and livelihood assistance if they surrender to the government. He reiterated that the communist movement was a failed rebellion that only led to deaths and misery of people.
“Sumurrender kayo. Bigyan ko kayo ng lupa, i-land reform ko muna ‘to at itatayuan ko kayo ng bahay,” he said. “At for the meantime na pinag-aralan ninyo paano maghanap-buhay, papapasukin ko dito ang TESDA, ‘yung livelihood, electricians, tapos ang DSWD kung ano pang matulong nila,” he said.
He also hit back at communist leader Jose Sison for duping the people to join his rebellion. He told the rebels to use their head and realize Sison was not a good leader. “Kung bright ‘yang leader ninyo si Sison bakit ako ang Presidente hindi siya? Eh gamitin utak ninyo,” he said. (Genalyn Kabiling)
