Liguasan Marsh oil reserves belong to the Moros, Duterte says

The government will not be claiming the oil reserves said to be found beneath the Liguasan Marsh in Mindanao as it belongs to the Moro people.

President Rodrigo Duterte made the remark Saturday in his speech in Davao City during the celebration of Eid'l Fitr.

"There is much worry—and they are wary na baka ‘yung sabi ninyo sa Liguasan Marsh. If there are trillions of cubic meters of oil, do not be worried at all. Hindi na kukunin ng gobyerno ‘yan. Inyo ‘yan," Duterte said.

"I promise you—and that’s my commitment—it belongs to the Moro people. Inyo ‘yan," he added.

As early as 2008, Moro National Liberation Front chief Nur Misuari has already mentioned the economic gains from the oil reserves in the Liguasan Marsh.

He said the marsh holds a huge reservoir of natural gas worth hundreds of billions of dollars, and the Bangsamoro people could become one of the richest if this area is placed under their control.

“Kung i-convert 'yan sa ating pera, aabot 'yan ng trillion pesos," Misuari said.

Duterte said Filipinos will be able to enjoy the economic benefits from the oil reserves in the marsh.

"If there is a commercial activity and there’s really oil in Liguasan Marsh, my God, pupunta lahat ‘yan. Christian, Muslims, lumad and will join the fray to enjoy progress and development," he said.

"Wala tayong apihan dito. It will remain in your control and possession. But you just have to pay the taxes and the service that the government that would spend," he added. —KG, GMA News