President Rodrigo Duterte led on Thursday the laying of time capsule for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay.

“I am happy that we are laying the ground for your airport. Masuwerte kayo. Kayo lang ang may dalawang airport,” President Duterte said in a chance interview with reporters following the event.

“In the fullness of God’s time, maybe I can get a railroad for you,” he added eliciting applause from several Bicolano officials who accompanied him led by Albay’s Second District Representative Joey Salceda.

The upcoming Bicol International Airport will have a 2.30 kilometer runway which conforms to world standards and has a capacity to accommodate larger aircraft. It will be the second airport that will cater the Bicol Region aside from the Legazpi International Airport located in Legazpi, the capital city of Albay.

Duterte said he expects the new Bicol International Airport to be operational in two to three years.

“Two to three years basta walang corruption,” he said.

During the media interview, the Chief Executive also addressed several pressing issues in the country.

Asked on the ongoing peace process with the Communist group, Duterte maintained that he would not agree to release the more than 130 political prisoners.

“I have conceded to the communists too much too soon. As yet, I have to see a substantive progress to the talks. They are asking for 130 detainees to be released, all NPAs. Sorry, I cannot do that,” he said.

“I want a document that would be honored because that would be under the auspices of Norway and with the participation of the Norwegian. It’s a signed document that there is an agreement for a ceasefire for an indefinite period until such time that we can sort out things and maybe hopefully,” he added. ### PND