Shoot ASG men, Duterte orders

President Duterte has encouraged the government forces as well as civilians to shoot members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) “dead or alive” following the attack in Inabanga, Bohol, during the Holy

Week that left 10 people dead, four from the government forces.

“My order to the police and to the lahat (military), and even to the civilians wherein they should do fight and kill. Ang order ko (My order) is dead or alive,” he said.

Duterte, in an interview in Bohol, said he is also offering R1 million for each of the wanted ASG members.

“Kaya yung anim (So the six members are now) maybe scouring the safety nets kung saan sila makalanding (where they can land). I have a R1-million offer per person,” he added.

However, Duterte said he prefers these wanted members of the ASG dead when they are turned over to the authorities.

“Ako, I also encourage civilians to kill kasi dead or alive man yan, may reward. Pero mas gusto ko dead kaysa yung alive (because dead or alive a reward is at stake. But I prefer them dead),” he said, adding that it is his intention to arm civilians.

“Kapag nakapatay ka na (When you get to kill one), you just go to the police and make the report and state your truth. Walang problema (There’s no problem), I will take care of you and pardon you for whatever [case may be filed against you],” he said.

He, however, said he is not at liberty to discuss how the civilians would be armed as he knows there would be objections so he would like to hear the side of the local officials first.

Duterte, meanwhile, assured that the government is doing its best to contain the threat of the terrorist group in Central Visayas and Mindanao.

He vowed to invade Jolo if the condition worsens but said it will not be good as there is a real possibility that innocent civilians may be affected.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had earlier confirmed that 10 men – three soldiers, a cop, and at least six of the ASG men – were killed in the Bohol clashes that started at 5 a.m. on Holy Tuesday.

Duterte was in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a state visit, the first stop of his three-country Middle East trip, when the attack happened.