Duterte says Abu Sayyaf threat driving away investments

MANILA, Philippines — The threat posed by local terrorist group Abu Sayyaf is driving away investors, President Rodrigo Duterte said, as he warned that the Philippines would not rise if it fails to address its security issues. 

Duterte said the Abu Sayyaf, which has pledged loyalty to international extremist group Islamic State, is not adhering to an ideology "except to kill and destroy." 

"If we do not get rid of them, everybody who wants to invest in the Philippines will never do that. So we cannot be productive," the president said during a campaign rally of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan last Sunday in Zamboanga City. 

"We will not progress if our situation does not change. Coupled with the revolution, then drugs. Drugs is causing misery by the millions now," he added. 

Duterte said he would not imagine himself talking to the Abu Sayyaf members who are "decapitating "everyone."

While he refused to hold formal talks with the Abu Sayyaf, Duterte expressed willingness to provide assistance to those who would turn their backs on violence.  

"It will be good if you just you know slow down... If you need something, just tell me. If you need money, do not take hostages. Perhaps giving each of P100,000 is enough. No more hostages. Or perhaps P500,000 each?" the president said. 

"Do not kill each other here. My god. We are not Arabs. We are Malays. It may be caused by religion but do not adhere to their insanity. They detonate bombs in malls," he added.