(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday reiterated his call for Maranaos to “avoid terrorism,” as he gave the assurance the government would continue to provide financial support for the rehabilitation of Marawi.
“It is not a correct way to obey Islam. You do not kill and destroy,”the President said in his visit to Marawi on Tuesday, January 30.
The President stressed that allowing terrorism will only cause massive destruction and loss of lives, including the innocent ones who are helpless in war.
He noted that Marawi was in the process of rehabilitation, after local terrorists overran the city in May last year in a bid to establish an Islamic State caliphate in Southeast Asia.
“I will guarantee you that the remaining years, there will always be money for you,
that you will be able to rehabilitate your business kung talagang gusto lang ninyo,” Duterte said, addressing the residents of the city.
In his speech, the President also appealed for unity among Muslims and Christians to enable progress in Mindanao in general.
“Even in the (Philippine Military Academy)…that issue of religion is never discussed. Pag gumanda na ito (Marawi City) invite everybody, invite the Christians because they want to see lake Lanao. Puro tayo Pilipino,”he said.
“Huwag na lang tayong mag-away. Let us build a community para sa mga anak natin.
I’m appealing to you…i-redirect lang ninyo ang paradigm, mindset (ninyo) and allow progress to take place. You will need the Christians as the Christians need the Muslim population,” the President added.
