Duterte to PNP: Eliminate potential threats in the streets

The police force should not only run after criminals but must also be strict towards potential troublemakers loitering in the streets, President Duterte said last Wednesday.

The President emphasized that the country’s roads are built for lawabiding citizens whose safety and well-being must be prioritized by the government.

“So my directive is ‘pag mag-istambay-istambay diyan sa, sabihin niyo, ‘Umuwi kayo. Kaya ‘pag hindi kayo umuwi ihatid ko kayo doon sa opisina ni ano – Pasig (So my directive is if they are loitering, tell them ‘Go home. If you don’t go home, I’ll bring to the office of ... in Pasig),” Duterte said during the oath-taking of newly-promoted police, jail and fire officials in Malacañang last Wednesday night.

“Be strict. Part of confronting people who do not do nothing and just idling around, they are potential trouble for the public,” he addressed the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The tough-talking president warned that he would personally deal with laggers who resist police orders to go home.

“Ako ng bahala. Ilagay mo lang diyan. Talian mo ‘yung kamay pati – ihulog ko ‘yan diyan (I’ll take care of it. Leave them there, tie their hands and I’ll throw them there),” said Duterte who resides in Malacañang located beside Pasig River.

The President issued the directives as he admitted that there was still “much to do” in the crusade against illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption.