Philippine police force returns to drug war
Manila. Dec. 6: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday told human rights groups criticising his deadly anti- drug war to “go to hell” after ordering police back to the frontlines of the crackdown.
Mr Duterte had removed the police less than two months ago in response to rising opposition to the campaign. But his spokesman said he was now reinstating them because drug crimes had risen in their absence.
The President dismissed criticism over the thousands of people killed in the drug war as he said the Philippines had turned into a “narco- state”.
“You can go to hell, all of you!” Duterte said in a speech, referring to human rights groups, Catholic bishops and priests who had urged an end to the killings.
“I do not want Filipinos to be turned into fools during my time. You can do that at any other time but not during my time, during my watch.”
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Mr Duterte signed an order Tuesday reinstating the police to the drug war because there had been a “public clamour” for their return. “There has been a notable resurgence in illegal drug activities and crimes committed,” Mr Roque said as he read the order. Mr Duterte, was elected on a promise to eradicate drugs from society by launching an unprecedented campaign in which up to 100,000 people would die.