Duterte cites three approaches to ease the tension after Mamasapano

DAVAO CITY, Feb 5 (PIA) Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has cited three major  that approaches to ease the tension brought by the Mamasapano incident to Mindanao.

He said that first, given his way, he will make sure that the clashes which left 44 police commandos, two civilians and members of the rebel group killed and 12 others wounded will no longer happen.

Duterte stressed that it must be assured by the government.

He said that the police commandos were not supposed to be deployed in Mamasapano in the first place given the crucial stage of the peace process. 

Duterte said the troopers were not at fault since they simply followed orders from their higher ups.

He stressed the ones to be blamed must be those who issued the order for them to pursue their targets in the MILF territory.

Duterte observed that due to the incident both the police and military experience low morale and lack of trust given the impact of the Mamasapano incident.

“The best person to boost the morale of the troops is former President Fidel V. Ramos.  However, he is retired,” he said.

Duterte also said it is now impractical to recall all firearms and equipment of the fallen police commandos from the hands of the armed groups since firearms are similar to lives for the rebels.

He said the firearms serve as their prize in battle.

“It is as if that it is their lives you are asking if you want the weapons and equipment returned,” Duterte said.

He said that third, the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front must continue despite experiencing many casualties.

Duterte pointed out that all conflicts in the world ended in peace talks.

He said without blaming the MILF, Davao City sacrificed a lot as a consequence of the all-out-war in 2001 and the all-out-offensive in 2003 due to the bombings in the San Pedro Cathedral, the Davao International Airport and the Sasa Wharf.  (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)