Duterte to troops in terror war: Take no prisoners

MANILA, Philippines -  There’s no room in jail for terrorists.

President Duterte yesterday directed his troops not to take prisoner who took part in the rebellion and terrorism in Marawi, saying there were not enough detention centers in the war-torn city.

Speaking before troops of the 102nd brigade of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Sarangani, Duterte did not mince words when he indicated he wanted all suspects in the rebellion killed.

If the terrorists and their affiliates are allowed to live, Duterte said this would complicate things.

“Where will I put them? They have to be in the jurisdiction where they committed the crime. Simple as that. Kaya madagdagan ang problema (There will be more problems),” he said.

He explained the government would still need to feed the suspects in jail and bring them to court when the government has yet to rebuild the city.

“Dapat, every encounter, patay lahat. Ayoko magdala ng buhay, preso. Papakainin ko pa ‘yan (In every encounter, all should be dead. I don’t want them taken prisoners. I will have to feed them),” the Chief Executive said, after announcing that the soldiers’ basic pay would be doubled next year.

Noting the destruction caused by the battle in Marawi, Duterte said there is no longer any available jail in the city. 

Since Marawi is in total disarray, bringing suspects to court is a big headache for the government, he added.

Duterte also expressed concern that their comrades might just spring the Maute terrorists and other suspects from detention once troops go back to normal operations.   

During the ceremony, the President saluted the soldiers.

“Anyway, I’m happy. My snappy salute. Snappy one for awardees and to you,” he said. “Alam ko matitigas kayo. Matitigas ang ulo o matitigas ang t***? Depende diyan kung saan kayo gusto (I know you are hard. Hard in head or p***? It depends where you like it hard),” he said.

The commander-in-chief assured the military that their sacrifices would not go unnoticed by his administration. “Everybody will get a medal one of these days. I know, matitigas kayo and bilib ako sa sundalong Pilipino (You’re strong and I have confidence in the Filipino soldier),” the President said.

In another speech in Hagonoy, Davao last night, Duterte deplored the “vicious cycle of violence” that grips the nation “every now and then.”

“Although the fighting is winding up, maybe we need more time to really clean the place. I am very sad that this incident had to happen during my time as president… but then I am the second president to declare martial law,” he said.

He explained the present martial rule was different because abuses are not allowed, and the military and police are “now more educated and aware of their duties to the Filipino people.”

       – With Edith Regalado