Marawi is country's 'bedrock of illegal drugs' — President Duterte

DAVAO CITY, May 31 – President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday described Marawi City, where firefight is ongoing between government forces and the

Maute terror group, as "the bedrock of shabu manufacturing" in the country.

Speaking during the 119th anniversary of the Philippine Navy at the Sasa Wharf here, the President lamented that terrorism activities in the Philippines are being funded and fueled by drug money. Duterte was the guest of honor during the 119th anniversary of the Philippine Navy and the commissioning of BRP Davao

del Sur.

He said Christians and Muslims who are into illegal drugs sought sanctuary among the terrorists for protection to ensure the success of their business.

He recalled warning people about the growing illegal drugs business in the country, and during the declaration of the state of lawlessness last year, the President said that "everything was being watched and raided in Central Mindanao."

”We lost at that time so many soldiers but apparently most of the Filipinos took it nonchalant,” he said.

He cited the arrested member of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Supt. Maria Cristina Nobleza, as "the one that helped illegal drugs trading in the country."

Nobleza was arrested in Bohol at the height of military operation against the Abu Sayyaf bandits last month there.

“She was not only in cahoots but she was an active player in the terrorism business,” the President said.

Now, the President said "the illegal drugs business has become a menace that even Manila was already flooded that the government has to put measures to stop it."

”Of course, it would cost lives. You cannot find a war, especially drugs, without losing your men and the enemy," he said.

He noted the government lost both soldiers and police officers in the fight against drugs.

In Marawi, he said the government suffered losses because “we are the invading force and they have been set up there for a long time waiting for the soldiers of the Republic to come.”

The President expressed hopes that in the fight against drugs and terrorism, the Philippine Navy will also live up to their duty of making the people feel more secure.

”Your efforts to fulfill your mandate to uphold peace and sovereignty in our territorial waters have been remarkable in the past years and today, you have once again reaffirmed your important role as you support the counter-terrorism efforts against the Maute group in Marawi City,” he said.

”I am confident that you will remain committed to your oath to safeguard our shores and shoals against all acts of terror and violence,” the President stressed.

(Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)