Vice President Sara Duterte claimed that left-leaning groups and political blocs have united against the Duterte family, citing their opposition and role in recent political issues including the impeachment case against her.
In the first episode of the program “Ibalik ang Tapang at Malasakit,” aired on March 6, Duterte responded to questions about criticisms on her office’s budget and alleged political pressure from groups linked to the left.
“Parang ganun. Pagdating sa Duterte, nagsasama-sama sila ngayon pagdating kontra Duterte,” the vice president said when asked about remarks from critics, including lawmakers associated with progressive groups.
Duterte said she understood why the Makabayan bloc has been critical of her and the Duterte family, noting that during the Duterte administration, government programs aimed to dismantle insurgent strongholds in Davao.
“Naiintindihan ko ang Makabayan bloc kasi sabi ko nga sa inyo, may programa kami doon na tinapos talaga namin ‘yung insurgency. Nawala ‘yung stronghold nila sa Davao City, ‘yung Paquibato District,” she said.
The vice president also alleged that recruitment into communist insurgent groups often starts in vulnerable communities such as indigenous groups, low-income families, and informal settlers.
“Pumupunta sila sa mga depressed areas… mga indigenous peoples, tribes, sa mga low-income families, sa mga informal settlers. Dito sila naghahanap, nagre-recruit ng mga kasamahan nila,” Duterte said.
According to her, some recruits are brought from nearby provinces such as Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Surigao del Norte, and Agusan before being deployed to other areas.
“Diyan sila nare-recruit, nadadala sila sa Davao… palitan, hindi ka nag-ooperate doon kung saan ka galing,” she said, referring to the alleged operations of armed groups linked to the New People’s Army (NPA).
Duterte said that while some members join legitimate organizations with advocacy platforms, others are gradually recruited into armed insurgency.
“Hindi lahat nang nire-recruit nila ay umaakyat ng bundok… pero ‘yung iba doon, dahan-dahan ng hinihila papunta sa bundok,” she said.
Despite her criticisms, Duterte emphasized that she respected freedom of speech during her time as mayor of Davao City.
“Kritikal ako pagdating sa recruitment nila sa mga tao papunta sa pagiging NPA. Pero sa kanilang freedom of speech, hindi ko yan kailanman pinakialaman. Pinapabayaan ko sila magsalita, magprotesta, at kung mag-rally sa Davao City,” she said.
The vice president also addressed questions about the use of confidential funds during her time as a local chief executive, saying these resources were used for various national security concerns.
“Hindi lang kasi sa terrorism ginagamit ang confidential funds… lahat ng national security issues na kailangan ayusin ng gobyerno ay ginagamitan ng confidential funds,” Duterte explained.
She added that confidentiality is necessary to protect intelligence operations and the lives of personnel involved.
“Confidential yan hindi dahil may anomalya dyan… confidential yan kasi pinoprotektahan niya yung buhay ng mga tao na nandoon sa intelligence operations,” she said.
Duterte also noted that peace and order concerns are discussed in local and regional councils, including the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), where various security issues affecting cities and regions are addressed.
