(Eagle News) – President Rodrigo Duterte said he was open to accepting members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), as well as members of the New People’s Army (NPA) as part of the government force to fight Islamist terrorists in Mindanao.
In a speech addressing the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu on Saturday, the President said he could give MILF, MNLF and NPA members who would want to join the fight against Islamist terrorists, including the Maute group, the “same pay, same privileges” as the soldiers.
“Alam mo, I am announcing to all na lahat ng sundalo ng MI(LF), MN(LF), kung matagal pa ito (gulo) at gusto ninyong sumali, makipagsapalaran sa Republika, I am offering them, kunin ko kayong sundalo, same pay, same privileges, and I will build houses for you in some areas,” he said.
“Kayong mga NPA, wala… I am going to create a new division for you, para sa inyo. Wala ng qualification, tutal marunong naman kayo mag-baril,” he said.
“I am willing to take you soldiers of the Republic, lahat, MI, MN, pati NPA. Para ang sundalo ko halu-halo,” Duterte said.
He explained that the rebels should just be sincere in helping the government.
PNP and AFP open to working with rebels
Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said the police force is also open to working with the MILF or MNLF if they are really sincere in helping the government fight the Islamist terrorists.
“Kung totohanan na pagtulong, why not, ‘di ba? Kung gusto nilang tumulong at sumama talaga, pareho naman tayong Pilipino. We all have the right to defend our country,” he said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson B/Gen. Restituto Padilla, also said the military will welcome any help from rebel groups to help stop the radical Islamist terrorists, including the Maute group.
“These are all welcome developments. We welcome any form of support and assistance, sa pagtulong sa pag quell nitong rebellion, terrorism,” he said.
Ex-combatant reintegration is part of the government’s program for former rebels fighting the government, including the MILF, MNLF and NPAs.
In fact, partial reintegration began for the MNLF after the peace agreement signed by the government and MNLF in September 1996.
This includes reintegration into civilian life and integration into the state security forces.