MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has called on law enforcement agencies, the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice and the judiciary to continue with the administration’s “war-on-drugs.”
“Let me emphasize to our law enforcement agents and operatives that, despite the extraordinary circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, these criminals do not cease in their nefarious activities,” Duterte said.
“We must, therefore, remain steadfast in our campaign not only by intensifying our operations against drug trafficking, but also by reforming our criminal justice system and addressing the root cause of drug abuse and dependency,” he added.
President Duterte also urged members of the police to do their duties in accordance with the law as he will assume full legal responsibility for the killings committed during anti-drug operations.
Duterte also brushed aside human rights groups’ criticism on his administration’s drug war, insisting that he was not encouraging law enforcement to “intentionally” kill but only do it for self-defense.
“Wala akong pakialam diyan sa human rights. I am telling the law enforcement, the uniformed personnel, do your duty. Do it in accordance with law,” President Duterte said.
“Pero be alert and be wise. Alam mo konting pagkamali lang barilin mo na because kung maunahan ka o maalanganin ka maleche na,” the country’s chief executive added.
Duterte also vowed to accomplish more in the remaining two years of his term as he believes that ending the cycle of illegal drugs “means securing the future of our nation.”
“I salute you for your undying patriotic fervor. I salute you because you understand the problem and because you worry about your country. I salute you because tayo lahat sa gobyerno magkasama and we protect each other,” he said.
“Together, let us make a drug-free Philippines the greatest legacy that we can leave behind to our children and the succeeding generations,” he added./PN
