Duterte: ISIS will never gain a foothold in Philippines again

MANILA, Philippines — International terrorist group  Islamic State of Iraq and Syria will no longer gain a foothold anywhere in the Philippines but remains a cause for concern for government forces, President Rodrigo Duterte said. 

Duterte cited the military's gains against the Abu Sayyaf, a local terrorist group involved in bombings and kidnappings that has pledged allegiance to the ISIS. The strength of the Abu Sayyaf has been estimated at about 400. 

"I am especially pleased with our military's recent accomplishments against the Abu Sayyaf Group. Your efforts have brought us even closer to our ultimate objective of totally crushing the violent extremism at its roots," the president said during the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) in Jolo, Sulu on Tuesday. 

"With this, I can confidently declare that ISIS will never gain foothold anywhere in the Philippines," he added. 

ISIS, which aims to establish a worldwide caliphate, inspired extremists from the Maute group to occupy the Islamic City of Marawi in 2017, a siege that paved way to the longest urban war in the Philippines since World War II. About 1,000 terrorists and more than 160 soldiers died during the siege, which prompted Duterte to place the entire island Mindanao under martial law. 

Duterte, nevertheless, said the military should continue its campaign against ISIS and its supporters.   

"Well of course, there is the ISIS that we have to worry (about) in this part of Sulu, up and down Basilan. We’ll just have to fight and fight," the president said. 

"When you fight, I will protect you, the utmost," he added. 

Duterte also lauded the soldiers who died and those who were injured during recent military operations in Sulu, a known hotbed of the Abu Sayyaf. 

"I purposely went here to commemorate the Araw ng Kagitingan. All Filipinos deserve the title “kagitingan (valor).” But here in Jolo, the bravest ones are here. To the gallant men of Jolo, you have my everlasting gratitude for what you are doing to our country," the president said. 

"Let me assure you that the government continues to prioritize your welfare and that of your families," he added.

Duterte: No more talks with CPP-NPA 

Duterte also reiterated he is not ready to talk to communists, whom he said lack sincerity in pursuing peace.  
 
"They (communists) have shown that they do not like it (talks). If they want the two sides to disrespect each other, then let's not talk anymore. If you want, let's just kill each other," the president said. 

"You cannot even hang on to a barangay for 24 hours. You just hit and run. Why should I be scared of you?" he added of the New People's Army, which has been engaged in guerrilla warfare against the government since 1969.. 

The president vowed to continue upgrading the military's capabilities and to fund programs that would promote their welfare. He promised to look for money so the armed forces can acquire fast craft vessels.