Duterte thanks the Superpowers

US, Russia, China cited in fight against terrorists in Marawi

President Duterte has acknowledged the assistance provided by long-time ally the United States (US) to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its operations against the terrorists that laid siege on Marawi City, Lanao del Sur since May 23.

In his speech in Davao City Friday evening, Duterte also recognized the support given by new allies China and Russia which has also signified its intention to extend assistance.

“Let us give where credit is due. The United States helped the Armed Forces in this fight,” Duterte said.

The President also cited the 1370 million worth of ammunition China has donated last June 28 in support of the country’s counterterrorism efforts in Marawi City.

He also said Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to help the Philippines fight the present threat of terrorism brought about by pro-Islamic State Maute group in Marawi City.

“China committed and deliv-

ered a lot of firearms for us — ’yung mga sniper (the snipers). I don’t know about Russia but Putin, sabi niya tutulong siya (he said he will help),” Duterte said.

Duterte noted that the help extended by the two Asian giants does not have any strings attached.

“Walang attachment diyan (There are no strings attached). Walang head of state — si Putin o si President Xi Jinping magsabi, ‘O, bigyan kita but you should be loyal (Neither President Xi nor President Putin said that we should be loyal to them after giving us help),’” Duterte said.

He, however, reiterated that his going to Russia and China for help does not mean he is eyeing a military alliance with them. He said he is not allowed to do so because of the existing RP-US Military pact which was formed in 1950.

“So I cannot enter into military alliances with other nations because I would be violating the US-RP agreement. Dito lang tayo sa Amerikano (We will stick with the Americans),” Duterte said.

“Do not make the mistake of putting something on my behavior. I like talking to people. You have to make friends, and there is a need for you to acquire the kind of firearms at nandiyan sila (and they are there),” he added.

Duterte on Thursday boasted the country’s improved relationship his administration has established with China and Russia, saying when it comes to economy and terrorism, he can always go to other countries aside from the United States.

“I can always go to other nations for help and that is why I went to China and I went to Russia,” he said.

Duterte earlier thanked the United States for providing technical assistance to the AFP in their fight against the terrorists in Marawi despite not knowing about the assistance being given to the government troops.

“I am not aware of that until they arrived. When I declared martial law I gave the power to the defense department. Di ako nakikialam (I did not interfere),” Duterte had said

He also said that he never approached America or any organization of countries for help in the Philippines’ fight against terrorism.

Misgivings As Duterte thanked the US for their help in Marawi City, the President also cited his misgivings about the Philippines’ long-time ally.

“Dito lang tayo sa Amerikano (We stick with the Americans). Now, ano ang misgivings ko (what are my misgivings)? Give me two minutes,” Duterte said in his speech Friday evening.

According to Duterte, he is performing his duty as president to preserve and defend the Philippines and its people but US called him out on policy, particularly on his bloody war against illegal drugs.

“Nobody should teach me how I should do it,” Duterte said, referring to former US President Barack Obama.

“Do not tell me what to do, giving me admonitions. I am not a Federal Postal employee. So if you want something, go to the United Nations then you can talk there until kingdom come and file a case against me and let the United Nations do it,” he added.

According to Duterte, he does not mind being criticized but he prefers that criticisms not be done in an authoritative manner.

“If I have committed a wrong before your eyes, your estimation, that’s your problem. I have my problems to solve,” he said.

“If you think that you are the guardians of all the souls of this universe, go ahead. But do it in the proper way,” he added.

Duterte explained that he does not like the term “extrajudicial killing” as he hates killing people.

“I do not enjoy the extrajudicial killing term. I do not relish killing people. I am not the pious type, but I got my education from karamihan sa pari (mostly from priests). So, I grew up with my religion, the values that go with it,” he said.

‘I’m going back there’ So near, and yet, so far, Duterte expressed his desire to visit Marawi City, Lanao del Sur after two failed attempts to enter the war-torn city before the war ends.

The President said he does not like the thought that he would only visit the city once the people are already celebrating the government’s victory over the Maute Group.

“I’m going back there for the twice I was not able to penetrate the — ulan kasi palagi (because of the rain). Maybe I’ll have a good weather in the next few days,” Duterte said during his speech in Davao City.

“I have to be there. I will not go there when there is already a celebration of peace,” he added.

Duterte said even if the Presidential Security Group (PSG) is against the idea of him going into the strife-torn city, he does not mind the dangers.

“It’s always God’s call. If your time is up, it is stopped. Maski saan ka pumunta. ’Pag hindi mo pa panahon, hindi mo pa talaga panahon (Wherever you go, if it’s not yet your time to die, it won’t happen yet),” he said.

Duterte said that he will talk to the government troops and also try out the guns they are using against the terrorists if his visit pushes through.

“I have to go there and just talk to the soldiers on the frontline. And maybe, paputok-paputok ka rin diyan to see if the gun that you are carrying is really [of good quality],” he said.

Duterte made his first attempt to visit Marawi City on June 8 but his trip was cancelled due to the bad weather according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

He made another attempt to visit government troops in Marawi on July 7 but the bad weather once again foiled his plans, prompting him to go to Iligan City instead.