Article by:
Azer Parrocha
MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte said the government is on the lookout for an intelligence report about alleged “groupings” of some members of the opposition and communist rebels in time for the May 2022 polls.
“What I really am afraid of is the report of the intelligence community…There's a parang (sort of) grouping of the communists, itong mga dilawan, pati itong mga --- may isa pa, mga... (this yellow groups as well as others). Well, of course itong komunista (this communist) is already a terrorist organization,” he said in a prerecorded interview with Pastor Apollo Quiboloy aired Saturday on SMNI.
Yellow is the color associated with the opposition Liberal Party.
“So mga dilawan (So the yellows), that's a... I forgot the other one. Iyan ang ano namin, diyan ang ano ng gobyerno (The government…). They are watching for that kind of situation,” he added.
He expressed concern that these groups could cause trouble during the elections.
“They might be... Iyon ang sinabi ko na puwedeng manggulo kasi (That’s what I’m saying they might cause trouble because) they have these working relations now with -- with the dilawan and the election is the objective really,” he said.
He admitted that he could not guarantee that elections will be peaceful but noted that he would not allow violence to prevail.
“And even dito sa Mindanao. I mean, even the warring factions diyan sa (there in) Cotabato. Sinabi ko talaga sa kanila (I told them(sad) I will not allow terrorism sa election. I will not allow violence.’ Kampanya lang kayo (Just campaign),” he said.
“I want an election that is orderly and free from intimidation, violence. Sabi ko 'pag hindi ka sumunod niyan (if you do not follow), if you -- if you violate the -- my warnings, pupuntahan talaga kita (I will pay you a visit),” he added.
Duterte earlier said he is not endorsing any presidential candidate.
He, however, said he may change his mind if there is a “compelling reason” to do so. (PNA)
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