(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte has cut short his official visit in Russia and is expected to be back with his high-level delegation later today, Wednesday, after a last-minute meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his decision to declare martial law in Mindanao to put a stop to the terrorist Islamic State-linked Maute group.
Duterte, in an interview while on a plane back to Manila from Russia, said he will be harsh with dealing with the terrorists once he gets back home.
“Mga kababayan natin, do not be too scared. I’m going home. I’m cutting my visit here to be with my countrymen, and I will deal with the problem once I arrive,” he said in an interview by Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson.
The video interview was posted in her personal Facebook page.
“I’ll be harsh. I was asked one time, during a campaign in La Salle, how I would deal with terrorism. I said I will be harsh,” Duterte stressed.
The President also recalled his earlier warning if ever he would be forced to declare martial law in Mindanao, to suppress the terrorist groups there.
“Sinabi ko nga sa lahat, do not force my hand into it. I have to do it to preserve the Republic of the Philippines and the Filipino people,” he explained.
Duterte said he was happy that Russian President Putin was able to meet him at the last minute because of the volatile situation in the Philippines. He said he was able to talk to the Russian leader for about an hour.
“I am happy that I was able to have a last-minute meeting with President Putin, and I was able to communicate all the things that I’ve wanted to tell him. Positive naman,” he said.
During the meeting, Russian President Putin said he understood the need for President Duterte to cut short his trip in Russia.
Putin also expressed his condolences for the deaths that happened in Marawi City.
“At the beginning of our meeting I want to express my condolences about the deaths of people in your country which happened as a result of a terror attack.. I am, my colleagues, fully understand that you have to return to your homeland urgently,” Putin told Duterte.
“I want to express hope that the conflict which you spoke about will be resolved as soon as possible with minimum losses,” he added.
Three members of the government forces have been killed in Marawi — one policeman and two soldiers. (with a Reuters report)