Rody rallies regional unity vs NoKor threat

MANILA, Philippines —  President Duterte has called for unity against the threat posed by North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, who he said is “playing with dangerous weapons” that can devastate the region. 

During his visit to Australian ship HMAS Adelaide on Tuesday, Duterte said the Philippines and its allies should support each other as they face the challenges posed by the rogue state, which has been displaying its nuclear capabilities and conducting missile tests. 

“Any distraction using nuclear bombs, nuclear arms, would destroy Southeast Asia immediately. And the Philippines is no exception,” Duterte said. 

“It’s good to raise our awareness actually now. And it would be also to our advantage if you just go around showing solidarity with the rest of the world. Not only because we face so many challenges and threats, but the small guy there in North Korea is playing with dangerous weapons,” he added. 

Duterte warned that the region would suffer if North Korea continues to strengthen its nuclear capabilities. 

“That is why we reiterate our full support with our Australian friends, Americans, and even Chinese, Malaysian, all, to show to this one guy that he has to stop threatening the world. Because he runs the risk of being destroyed first,” he said. 

“But there will always be consequences for all of us. Nuclear bombs, you know, can create devastations, and create also arid lands among our environment. And that would be the first to suffer. And there will be chaos and hunger, and an aberration in our systems of life,” he added. 

Duterte is puzzled as to how Kim amassed an “impressive” collection of arms in such a short a time. He urged the Australian Navy to be vigilant in the face of the North Korean threat.

“To make sure that we stand ready to help each other and you can come always – maybe come over here to seek cover, but see to it that we also send some of ours,” he said. 

“China appears to be the only monkey wrench in the violent plans of Kim Un - Un Jun - I can’t even pronounce the stupid name. You have to keep watch over him. And it is always good to be prepared. I know that you are in a state of alertness. So are we,” he added. 

Duterte also updated Australian sailors about the status of the campaign against Islamist terrorists that occupied Marawi City last May 23. 

“We’re coping. We hope that it would be finished in about one week. We have suffered casualties, the biggest so far in present years. And I am sad that terrorism has arrived in my land,” the President said.