Duterte reveals once offering to give Abu Sayyaf territory under federalism

President Rodrigo Duterte revealed that he had offered the Abu Sayyaf group territory under a federal form of government when he was still campaigning for the presidency.

Duterte made the revelation on Wednesday in a speech before the Filipino community in Vietnam.

"Tumatakbo pa lang ako na presidente, sinabi ko, 'Could I just talk to them, sa Abu Sayyaf?' Publicly, I offered my hand of friendship, 'Can we just talk about stopping this carnage of innocent people?' Eh nakausap ko, pumunta sila, but they did not honor my — sana we can talk about peace, and if we can make the framework of federalism, they can have their own territory," the President said.

"Kasi noon, walang mga Abu Sayyaf. Walang kidnappers, walang holdaper, wala lahat, iyong bukas pa ang free trade, barter,  doon sa Sabah," he added.

But his view toward the group soured after he assumed office, after Abu Sayyaf members beheaded another hostage last August. Duterte ordered intensified military operations against the group, which is notorious for its kidnapping activities in Southern Philippines.

Earlier this month, the administration secured the release of Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad with the help of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari from the Abu Sayyaf. According to Duterte, Nur had pitched including Abu Sayyaf members in peace talks with the government.

Duterte said he thumbed that proposal down.

"I will never agree to talk about peace including the Abu Sayyaf... As a matter of principle, I'd rather fight... As long as a I am President, there will be no peace talks that include the Abu Sayyaf," Duterte said. —JST, GMA News