Wednesday, May 21, 2008 Duterte helpless if Maneros come to city to rescue brod By Carlo P. Mallo
EVEN the mayor said he couldn't do anything if the Manero brothers decide to come to Davao City and vent their anger on allies and kin of the New People's Army (NPA) after rebels abducted their older brother, retired Master Sergeant Jose Manero, in May 11 from a farm in Calinan District, Davao City.
"For brothers who have been hurt by the abduction of his brother, we cannot do anything to prevent them from coming here," Duterte said in an interview at the Marco Polo Hotel Wednesday afternoon.
A mysterious caller, claiming to be part of the Manero group, claimed responsibility for the murder of militant leader Celso Pojas. The same caller warned of more murders if the rebel group refuses to release the older Manero.
"We cannot stop them, the are not a legal entity," the city mayor said, referring to the group of the Manero brothers.
Moreover, the city mayor also said he is still awaiting the official report on the May 15 murder of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP)-Southern Mindanao spokesperson Celso Pojas.
"Sources from the left attributed the murder to the military, while the police and military are saying they did not do it... that they could have not done it," Duterte said after a meeting with Police Regional Office (PRO) Southern Mindanao Director Andres Caro II, and Task Force Davao Commander Ricardo Rainier Cruz.
Also, Duterte was set to meet with militant leaders' Jeppie Ramada, secretary general of Bayan in Southern Mindanao, and Joel Virador, former Bayan Muna party-list representative.
Duterte said he has remained mum over the incident to "avoid giving the opinion that will impute anyone."
"There are a lot of things that have to be cleared regarding the incident," Duterte said.
