MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte said the current state of the nation has failed Filipino soldiers, citing the Marcos administration’s lack of an independent foreign policy framework and the resurgence of insurgency in some parts of the country.
She also said the government should explore alternative oil supply sources that do not pass through the Middle East if it wants to reduce fuel prices in the country.
In an interview with reporters in Davao City on Thursday following the Araw ng Kagitingan celebrations—released by the Office of the Vice President on Friday—Duterte said Filipino soldiers “do not know” whose interests they are currently protecting. She also noted renewed skirmishes between the military and the communist New People’s Army (NPA).
Duterte further pointed to the “faltering” Bangsamoro peace process as another factor contributing to the situation of Filipino soldiers.
“Nakikita din natin dito na na-agitate na iyong grupo ng MILF dahil hindi na nasusunod kung anuman yung mga napag-usapan at nakikita nila mabagal iyong pagbabago doon sa kanilang lugar. (We are seeing that the MILF is becoming agitated because the government is no longer following what was agreed upon, and they perceive the progress in their area to be slow),” Duterte said.
Meanwhile, on the oil crisis, Duterte said prices could decrease if the government addresses the challenges of transporting oil products from the Middle East.
“It will decrease if the supplies coming to the country do not pass through the Middle East. As long as there is an ongoing crisis there, oil prices will remain high,” she added.
