No peace in Mindanao under Duterte administration – Binay

ZAMBOANGA CITY – There will be no peace in Mindanao under an administration led by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) standard bearer Vice President Jejomar Binay said yesterday.

Speaking to Islamic religious leaders here, Binay said only a decisive and compassionate leader would be able to ensure that peace in the south will be achieved.

“We Muslims and Christians have the moral responsibility not to vote for Duterte,” the Vice President said during his meeting with the Grand Mufti and Ustadz of Region 9 and Basulta (Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi).

Binay vowed to pursue peace in Mindanao if he is elected president.

“We will always pursue peace. I will talk with anybody and continue the peace negotiations,” he said.

He added the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law would not go to waste as he will use it as part of his peace agenda.

Binay continued his attacks against Duterte for his alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings in Davao City.

The United Nations, Amnesty International and other human rights groups have tagged the Davao Death Squad for the deaths of thousands of civilians, including minors, in the city.

Binay along with other UNA candidates visited Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga provinces. They are expected to also campaign in Surigao, Dinagat Islands and General Santos City.

Mindanao is a known bailiwick of Duterte, who has received criticisms from the Vice President since the tough-talking mayor started dominating pre-election surveys. –