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Wednesday, August 06, 2003
Duterte saddened by Salamat's death
DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte expressed grief over the death of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Hashim Salamat.
This was despite his adamant assertion that the MILF had something to do with the two bombings that hit Davao City last March 4 and April 2 respectively.
In an interview at the headquarters of the Task Force Davao, Duterte said he has all the respect for the MILF leader.
"He was a good man. At least he was a fighter and a warrior, for that extent we concede our respect," Duterte said.
"If it's true, we are sad. Because he would have been critical to the resolution of this conflict in Mindanao. I'm sure that we have lost somebody we can deal with to complete the story in our quest for a successful solution on what ails the island of Mindanao," he added.
When asked if Salamat's death would affect his strong belief that the MILF was behind the Davao bombings, which killed 39 people and wounded 171 others Duterte said, "I don't think so because we are sure of our position. As I said we are bound by the findings of the police and the military. Independently of that also I have my own sources. We are fighting a war, a little war, against this group and I stand by my decision."
After Salamat's death, the MILF central committee chose MILF chief of staff Al Hadj Murad as the new MILF chair. Duterte said he would be willing to have a personal talk with Murad anytime they so wish.
"They (MILF) can choose the place and I'll go there alone if they want. As I said before I always respect the leaders of the MILF because there is something nobler about them compared to plain criminals like a drug lord. I'll be happy to work under Murad or whoever is there for as long as the standard is fairness," Duterte said.
The Davao mayor however cautioned that if under Murad's leadership the MILF would continue their so-called terror attacks then there is no other course for the government but to respond.
"Government is supposed to maintain the integrity of this Republic and we just have to put a new fighting if no solution is in sight. But I'm sure we will be happy to have a peaceful negotiation. Everybody prays for it, we do not want to kill everybody every time, all the time," said Duterte.
North Cotabato Governor Emmanuel Piņol, another staunch MILF critic, said Salamat's death wouldn't change his strong stand against terrorism.
In related developments, Duterte revealed Tuesday that the government was willing to extend medical assistance to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leader Hashim Salamat to ail his weakening health.
Duterte told reporters the family of Salamat sought medical help on the last week of May through City Housing Officer Cesar Dataya, reportedly his a nephew.
He said he informed two top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), whom he did not identify, regarding the matter.
Later, the officials allegedly relayed the message to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He said Arroyo authorized him to assist Salamat.
"Maybe he was an enemy but it does not include when your enemy is down. The President readily gave clearance to do everything to make him live. I am sure that President Arroyo is sad of Salamat's death," he said.
Duterte said he was willing to sacrifice his son Paolo by swapping him in return for Salamat's safety during his stay in the hospital. He said the setup was for Salamat to be brought to the Davao Doctors Hospital from Liguasan Marsh by a private plane owned by Victor Consunji.
"Maybe they got another doctor or ignored the offer. The government was really willing to extend assistance," Duterte said. AAGGPPBOT
(August 6, 2003 issue)
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