No ambush order?Panelo

It is silly and absurd to conclude that PRRD is behind the ambush just because he misspeaks the Pilipino language, according to Panelo. #LootAmbushRemark #Binisaya

Pres. Duterte speaks to reporters after an oath taking rite in Malacañan on Tuesday. (PCOO)

Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo on Wednesday clarified that President Duterte did not order the ambush former Daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor Vicente Loot.

Duterte’s remark of “Inambush (ambush) kita animal ka, buhay pa rin” during a speech before the newly appointed government officials in Malacañan on Tuesday actually meant “Inambush ka na, buhay ka pa” as his language uses a mixture of English, Bisaya (Cebuano dialect) and Pilipino, Panelo explained.

Panelo said the President speaks Visaya and is not proficient in Pilipino, the vernacular language used in the capital city of Manila and in most areas in Luzon.

“Inambush ka na, buhay ka pa” was the actual words of Duterte as shown by the transcripts of some of his previous speeches every time he touches on the topic of Loot’s ambush, the spokesman added.

“Let us be clear and categorical: The President did not order the ambush of Gen. Loot. It is silly and absurd to conclude that PRRD is behind the ambush just because he misspeaks the Pilipino language which is not his native tongue or first language,” said Panelo.

“The Filipino nation by this time is already familiar and used to the language of the President who invariably uses a mixture of English, Bisaya (Cebuano dialect) and Pilipino in communicating with the nation,” added Panelo.