MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has claimed that some soldiers are in cahoots with the opposition to oust him days after Malacañang said the chief executive was confident that the military would not support moves to overthrow him.
Duterte said he was hurt that some military personnel are in contact with the Liberal Party, which he had accused of conniving with communists to destabilize his administration.
"Ang sakit ko dito, kayong mga Liberal pati ‘yung ibang sa military, nakipag-ugnayan sila...yung mga sundalo na rebelde...Hindi ko maintindihan ang utak kung saan ang loyalty nila (I was hurt because some people in the military are communicating with the Liberal Party, those rebel soldiers. I can't understand their loyalty)," the president said during his visit to wounded soldiers in Sulu last Monday.
"That's my ill feeling toward those soldiers. I don't mind if they get angry with me. That's nothing. But to go into a cahoots with the enemy? I can step down anytime. But the problem is the nation...If you are true to your country, do not bed with the enemy," he added.
Duterte advised the opposition to wait for the elections if they are not satisfied with his performance.
"If you do not like me as president - Duterte is inept, clueless, it's okay. Fine. Just wait for the elections three years away," he said.
Earlier this month, Duterte accused the opposition Liberal Party of conspiring with communists to oust him and dared the military to launch a coup if they think he is no longer capable of leading the country. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque has said Duterte made the dare because he was confident that soldiers would not join destabilization plots against the government.
Last week, armed forces deputy chief for operations Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade claimed communist rebels have hatched a plot that aims to destabilize the government next month. He said the "Red October" plot would coincide with the international celebrations for Marxism and communism.
Parlade said communists were supposed to execute another destabilization plot last September 21 but the plan was unsuccessful. He said opposition group Tindig Pilipinas withdrew from the plan after learning that communists were orchestrating it.
Duterte said a destabilization plan would not succeed unless it is supported by government forces.
"Nothing will succeed without the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. If the military, the armed forces and the police think I am no longer fit to become president, they just have to tell me," the president said.
"No more fights. They will end up fighting each other. If they want me replaced, I'll go," he added.
Duterte went on to remind soldiers about the support he extended the the armed forces. He said he provided soldiers firearms and defense equipment that would improve their capabilities.
"We have acquired so many (equipment). During my time, I have been in a buying spree and there's nothing that you requested from me that I did not buy," he added.
"Kasi ‘pag wala na ako, hindi ko sigurado kung sinong papalit (When I'm gone, I do not know who would replace me)."
Duterte also assured soldiers that he was fulfilling his promise to curb corruption and illegal drugs in the country.