PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he would declare the entire Mindanao as a land reform area and give the lands to farmers for free, including the military camps to end decades of war in the south.
In a speech during the “Balik Baril” program in Mindanao, the President also urged congress to speed the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law which would benefit all tribes and sectors, including non-Muslims.
Duterte said he will use his “residual powers” in the worst case scenario thatDuterte Congress does not pass the proposed BBL or said if it is not passed he would resign.
“I said I will proclaim the entire Mindanao, almost, as a land reform area and will distribute lands to farmers and provide support such as seedlings and equipment to enhance agriculture production.
“They can plant rubber trees, palm oil. I’ll also give lands owned by the government even the military camps,” the President said which drew applause from the audience.
“I will give the lands away. What will I do with the fields? I’ll just give the lands and seedlings as support,” Duterte said.
Duterte also offered to distribute tractors to farmers but urged them not to pawn the equipment.
Duterte is the first President from Mindanao who vowed to provide a good future to thousands of poor Filipinos especially in the southern part of the country.
While he vowed government support for Mindanao, the President reiterated his commitment to combat terrorists in the region, saying he would not hold any peace talks with terrorists.
The President also said he would rather talk to the Moro rebels but not to terrorists.