President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has warned policemen involved in the illegal drug trade that death awaits them if they do not stop their dirty business.
In his message during his thanksgiving party in Davao City on Saturday, Duterte reiterated his vow to wage a “bloody war” against crime, especially illegal drugs.
He threatened to order the killing of policemen who are involved in the illegal drug trade.
“Don’t take this as a joke. Hindi ako nagpapatawa [I am not trying to be funny here],” Duterte said.
“[If] nandyan ka pa sa droga, ipapatay kita… ipapatay kita [you are into illegal drugs, I will have you killed… I will have you killed],” he added, referring to policemen involved in the illegal drug trade.
“If you destroy the youth of this country, I will kill you… Madugong lababan ito [This is a bloody war],” he added.
He encouraged ordinary citizens to effect the arrest of or even “use deadly force” on criminals.
Under the law, Duterte said, the public has the authority to arrest drug suspects.
“If he [drug suspect] fights and he fights to death, you can kill him,” he added.
Duterte said if the suspect is armed and resists arrest, he will tell the ordinary Filipino, “Barilin mo [Shoot him]. I will give you a medal.”
He was in party mode during the thanksgiving party to celebrate his overwhelming victory in the May 9 elections, catapulting him to the presidency.
Rock bands and break dancers entertained the crowd, which began to build from mid-morning under overcast skies on the outskirts of Davao City.
A mix of local and national security forces were in the city both for the event and for the safety of the incoming President.
The “One love, One nation” event at the Crocodile Park involved around 6,500 security personnel from the Presidential Security Group, the military and the police.