(Eagle News)–President Rodrigo Duterte expressed optimism ISIS would never gain foothold in the country because of its brave soldiers.
Duterte made the remark as he celebrated the Day of Valor with soldiers in Jolo, Sulu, where blasts carried out by terrorists killed at least 20 .
“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,” he said.
In his speech, Duterte vowed to take care of the soldiers, who he said were the “bravest.”
He said he had given P50 million for soldiers’ expenses at the V Luna Medical Center, P50 million to the Armed Forces of the Philippines hospital, and P100 million to the Philippine General Hospital.
“Do not worry I have three years. I will see to it that you will have funds when you retire and that your school — your children and their schooling will be assured even if we are no longer there either by natural or by any other means of saying goodbye to this world. Huwag kayong ma-ano,. . . I have your back covered,” he said.