Duterte: PHL, Indonesia, Malaysia 'next frontier' for terrorists

President Rodrigo Duterte warned that Islamist militants will bring terrorism to Southeast Asia, saying the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia are the "next frontier" for these groups.

He made the pronouncement during a speech delivered before the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

“From what I just... basa basa and talks with the intelligence community of the other countries, especially in the Middle East, mukhang naghanap ito sila ng bagong frontier. And I think na ang susunod nito would be Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines,” Duterte said.

In his speeches during tours of military installations, Duterte has repeatedly warned of coming threats from terrorist groups.

“But I think the most telling would be, huwag kayong magtanong kung kailan, dadating ‘yan. Sigurado ako. And mark my word. Maybe during my presidency or after. But terrorism is here to stay,” he said.

Duterte noted how groups have been carrying attacks around the world, with hostilities spreading away from the Middle East of the Islamic State, especially amid interference from foreign powers.
 
“There seems to be no force, influence — forceful influence or even konting nakita ko in the horizon na pwedeng pumigil sa kanila. And the battleground is the Middle East. But ang kanilang mundo doon, paliit nang paliit na eh. Because of the participation of Russia and the United States and France and Britain. Eh by share weaponry talagang pinulpog sila doon,” Duterte said.

Duterte called on troops to begin preparing for terror threats, which is different from traditional warfare.

“Pero start now dealing with terrorism. I’m giving so many books to you but one is sa drugs. You must… ‘yon ‘yung sa profiling. Naka-cap, naka-shades, naka-short pants. ‘Yan ang pag-aralan ninyo because ang terrorism is not being fought with armies eh. Five, six, seven car bombs, ‘yung ganoon,” he said before announcing that he would give each soldier a Glock 30 to help fight against terrorism. —JST, GMA News