Duterte rallies PDP-Laban party mates to unite

MANILA, Philippines — After getting Congress support for martial law extension in Mindanao,  President Duterte rallied his supporters and party mates in the PDP-Laban to remain firmly united as his administration faces tougher challenges from separatist groups in Mindanao, communist rebels and drug syndicates.

In remarks at the PDP-Laban’s Christmas benefit dinner for Marawi City held in Pasay City on Wednesday, the Chief Executive reiterated his warning that the problem in Mindanao would explode one day if the government and the public would not work together to address national concerns.

He noted the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)’s quest for  territory would  require amending the Constitution, adding that he is also talking peace with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Given the present situation in Mindanao, Duterte said Islamic extremists who suffered setbacks in the Middle East might go to Mindanao to foment trouble.

“So the aim of the PDP is really to get a consensus if we can have a structure at least maski drawing to preserve... ito maski drawing lang o... then we have to restructure,” Duterte said.

The President also urged media organizations critical of his administration to join him in addressing national concerns to help prevent the country from getting dismembered.

In the same event,  Duterte renewed his commitment to fight corruption in government.

The proceeds from Wednesday’s Christmas fundraiser, held at the Sofitel Hotel Pasay City, will help finance the rebuilding of Marawi City.

The PDP leaders led by Duterte, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez were present at the fund-raising activity.

Over 1,000 guests, including members of Congress, Cabinet secretaries, local chief executives and other ranking government officials attended the event.

PDP-Laban has been active in the rehabilitation and rebuilding of the battle-scarred Marawi through its humanitarian arm, PDP-Laban Cares. 

Last Dec. 5, a team from PDP-Laban Cares distributed more than 1,500 holiday packages and boxes of fruits to Maranao families.