Duterte sticks to ‘patay’

The President renews his commitment to provide protection to officers who find themselves in a fix

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has repeated his marching orders to the police that if they ever feel that their life is in danger during an anti-drugs operation, they should not hesitate to kill.

Duterte also renewed his commitment to provide protection, legal assistance and even financial aid to officers who find themselves in a fix.

The President gave the assurance in his speech during the 117th Police Service Anniversary on Wednesday afternoon, August 8, at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

In the same speech, Duterte claimed he is a “lame duck president,” considering he could not run for another term whether under the current system of government or under the proposed federal government.

“Look, I have hit the firewall. I cannot run again. For all intents and purposes, actually, I am a lame duck president,” Duterte told the policemen.

“I have reached my limits. But you know, you broke --- I will not stretch my patience with

you. Either, we stop this during my term and do not worry about me. I can take care of myself. Just do your duty. I need not lecture you,” he added.

During his State of the Nation Address on July 23, Duterte said the anti-drug drive is “far from over” and that he intends it to be as “relentless and chilling.”

Following Duterte’s remarks, Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde announced the recalibration of the drug war, noting that around 1.6 million drug users have yet to surrender to authorities.

Unfazed by wide criticisms against his brutal war on illegal drugs, Duterte said he cares more about the Filipinos’ safety. He reiterated his order to the police officers to ensure law and order in the country by stamping out the narcotics trade.

“Do not hesitate to kill. Do not hesitate because of a case. If you do your duty in accordance with the law and you know that, when your life is in danger, stick to the law. Never mind the idiots about the human rights, they cannot help you,” he said.

“We have a policy. We do not destroy the nations. We protect and serve our nations. We have to prepare the world of our descendants for tomorrow. If we cannot do something now on drugs, your grandchildren will suggest and we would have left a life and a nation to them that is still in shambles,” the President added.

Duterte guaranteed that he would provide assistance to any cops who will be questioned for conducting lawful anti-drug operations.

“I will be here. I will, as a President. I will never allow you to go to jail,” Duterte said.

“Just do your duty, you don’t have to worry about anything. I will provide for you. You have to do is call the police office. And that unit takes care of police and soldiers who find themselves in a fix and I will provide you the lawyer.” (SunStar Philippines)