Asia

Philippine president-elect to offer Cabinet posts to rebels

Associated Press
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FILE- In this May 9, 2016, file photo, then front-running presidential candidate Mayor Rodrigo Duterte gestures during his second news conference after voting in a polling precinct at Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Matina district, his hometown in Davao city in southern Philippines Monday, May 9, 2016. Presumptive Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said Monday he would offer Cabinet posts to communist rebels, move to amend the constitution to give more power to the provinces and reimpose the death penalty in some of his first policy pronouncements since winning last week's election based on an unofficial count. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File) (The Associated Press)

In this photo provided by the Office of the City Mayor, Davao City, presumptive president-elect Rodrigo Duterte answers questions from the media during a news conference in Davao city southern Philippines Monday, May 16, 2016. Presumptive Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said Monday he would offer Cabinet posts to communist rebels, move to amend the constitution to give more power to the provinces and reimpose the death penalty in some of his first policy pronouncements since winning last week's election based on an unofficial count. At right is Duterte's running mate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who already conceded to administration vice-presidential candidate Leni Robredo. (Office of the City Mayor Davao City via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

In this photo released by the Office of the City Mayor of Davao City, presumptive president-elect Rodrigo Duterte, right, receives a copy of the book on Chinese President Xi Jinping from Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua during a courtesy call at Davao City in the southern Philippines, Monday, May 16, 2016. Presumptive Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said Monday he would offer Cabinet posts to communist rebels, a move to amend the constitution to give more power to the provinces and reimpose the death penalty in some of his first policy pronouncements since winning last week's election based on an unofficial count. (Office of the City Mayor Davao City via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

Presumptive Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte says he will offer Cabinet posts to communist rebels, move to amend the constitution to give more power to the provinces, and reimpose the death penalty, in some of his first policy pronouncements since winning last week's election based on an unofficial count.

In his first formal news conference since the May 9 vote, Duterte also said Monday he will launch a major military offensive to destroy Abu Sayyaf extremists on southern Jolo Island, even if their human rights are trampled in the process.

He also said he will sell the presidential yacht and use the money to buy medical equipment for military and police personnel.