(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday made the link between terrorism and drugs in the country, saying that terrorism activities were actually “fueled” by the former.
Speaking during the Philippine Navy anniversary celebration in Davao, Duterte said drug lords have sought “protection” from terrorists to “ensure the success of their business.”
“So much so even Manila was already flooded (with drugs) and we had to put an apparatus to stop it,” he said.
In Marawi, he said the government has “suffered tremendous losses.”
Clashes erupted between the government forces and the Maute group in the city last Tuesday, after authorities launched offensives against Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf leader, who is believed to be in the area.
“Hinayaan kasi natin ang droga…,” Duterte said.
“So there was a time, and until now, that the terrorism activities in the Philippines, expanded, fueled by drug money,” he added.
“Active player in terrorism business”
According to Duterte, one of those who received a “huge amount” is former Supt. Cristina Nobleza.
Nobleza was “not only in cahoots (with the Abu Sayyaf), but..was an active player in the terrorism business,” Duterte said.
Nobleza, her alleged Abu Sayyaf lover Reneer Lou Dongon, his mother and a 13-year-old were apprehended in April after they ignored a checkpoint in Clarin, Bohol.
Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said that Nobleza, who at one point became chief of the Davao Police Crime Laboratory, had admitted herself that she and Dongon were in Bohol so they could rescue an Abu Sayyaf bandit who had been wounded by government troops.
The police chief said she admitted Malaysian terrorist Zulfikli Bin Hir alias Marwan himself officiated her wedding with Dongon.
Marwan was killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, in January 2015.
“We must be ready”
According to the President, he declared martial law in Mindanao because the military and the police gave him “the reason” to do so.
“While they did not say ‘You go ahead President,’ they gave me sufficient information and I asked them, ‘Are we already in the critical level?’ And there was a unison, and a redundant statement that delikado tayo sa Mindanao given the practice of ISIS in the Middle East of just (making everything explode),” he said.
He said “we cannot allow it to happen here.”
As such, he said “we must be ready.”
“That is why I mentioned in passing that if there is a transfer of venue from Mindanao to the Visayas…I will be forced to declare the suspension of writ of habeas corpus, not martial law..That is just precautionary. I don’t think it will happen. I hope it won’t happen. But if it does, we must be ready. There is no middleground here,” he said.
No dialogue with terrorists
In his speech, Duterte also emphasized that he would “not talk to the terrorists,” who have claimed the lives of civilians and government troops fighting in Marawi.
Duterte also had a message for the New People’s Army, whose leaders recently ordered them to intensify attacks against state forces.
“Kung gusto niyo tumulong sa kabila, magpuntahan na kayo lahat. But I’m warning the leaders…Do not attempt to come home. I will arrest all of you and throw you in the slammer,” he said, emphasizing that he “tried to talk to (them).”
He said the government would “maintain our present dialogue with the (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), the (Moro National Liberation Front) and the traditional main liners.”