Duterte to Moros: Exploit your territory

DAVAO CITY, Philippines  —  President Duterte has called on the Moro people to exploit the natural resources in their territory, including the Liguasan Marsh.

“Nasa inyo na eh. Ang sinasabi ko, walang istorbo, unbridled... You have the place... It was surrendered to you, it was given to you as a brotherly act of all Filipinos. Take advantage of it and hurry up the progress of the place,” the President said in his speech during the Independence Day celebration in Malabang, Lanao del Sur. 

“In Liguasan Marsh, if there’s oil, you can have it. We will not allow other Christians to benefit from it. Kayo muna,” he said.

The Liguasan Marsh covers 2,200 hectares spanning the provinces of Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, of which 300 square kilometers are classified as protected wetland and bird sanctuary.

Duterte said the Moro people could exploit the resources in the region under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

“That was my commitment to you. You don’t have the money, look for partners, exploit your territory of the riches... That was really reserved for our children. Exploit it. Exploit the natural resources and make the Moros rich,” the President said.