Duterte: Canada, Norway want me to intervene

DAVAO CITY: Officials of Canada and Norway have reportedly asked Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to take a proactive role in negotiations for the release of kidnapped foreigners who are now believed to be held captive by Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu.

“I told them that I have to establish my predicate first, my foundation there before I talk to them [the kidnappers],” Duterte told a small group of journalists on Monday night. “If my presence is needed, I would go there personally.”