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Sunday, March 23, 2003
Balikatan in Davao suggested: Duterte
DAVAO City is being suggested as the next venue for the controversial US-Philippines Balikatan war exercise.
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte did not immediately opposed the idea but jokingly suggested that it be held at the city's PTA grounds along Ponciano St. this city.
The mayor however said he will make an official stand on the issue soon.
In earlier interviews, Duterte expressed opposition to the presence of the US forces in the country especially in Mindanao.
After the March 4 bombing of the Davao International Airport (DIA), Duterte however made a 180 degree turnaround.
"Kung bubuksan nyo ngayon ang puso ko makikita nyo si Bush dito. Magkaibigan na kami ni Bush (If I open my heart you will see Bush. We are friends now)," Duterte declared before members of the joint Regional Peace and Order Council meeting of regions 11 and 12 days after the airport bombing.
Duterte said last Friday though that he will continue to oppose the holding of the Balikatan if its main purpose is running after the enemies of the State.
Earlier, Compostela Valley Gov. Jose Caballero also opposed the holding of Balikatan in his province saying he could not afford any controversies in his province at the moment. Caballero instead suggested for the US to implement infrastructure projects in ComVal and they will gladly welcome such. BOT
(March 23, 2003 issue)
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