Phl must prepare for long fight with IS — Rody

The Philippines must prepare for the long-haul fight against Islamic militants seeking to establish a foothold in the country.

President Duterte warned many of the followers of the Islamic State (IS) are prepared to die to build a caliphate in Mindanao, particularly in Marawi City.

In a speech at the opening ceremonies of the Buglasan Festival in Dumaguete City on Friday, Duterte spoke about the atrocities of the IS while revealing his plans to go back to Marawi to check on the fighting that has entered the fifth month.

He said he is praying the fighting in Marawi will come to an end.

He is working to beef up the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the coming years to sustain the fight against terrorism, and promised to leave the government after his term with a stronger military and police.

“I am decided that I will build a strong army and a strong police. Before I leave, I would be able to leave behind a very strong and well-equipped police and military because terrorism will not disappear,” he said.

Duterte cited intelligence reports that the problem of terrorism will not be solved overnight. In fact, he foresees attacks in the near future, prompting him to call for vigilance.

“We anticipate another assault, maybe this time two or three places in the Philippines. But we are prepared. We are not ill-prepared but we are prepared,” he said.

Duterte also bared his readiness to declare a revolutionary government in the attempt to reboot the bureaucracy.

Frustrated over the slowpaced action on government projects and failure to stop corruption in government, Duterte said he is keen on establishing a revolutionary government and declare all positions vacant.

This way, Duterte said he can order all government officials to toe the line.