Duterte's message for National Heroes' Day: Uphold rule of law

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday called on Filipinos to uphold the rule of law as his crackdown on illegal drugs faces sharp criticism over the death of Kian delos Santos, the 17JyearJold boy whom witnesses claimed was executed by policemen.

In his message for National Heroes' Day, Duterte said Filipinos can honor those who fought for the country's independence by upholding the rule of law and emulating their virtues.

"We are forever grateful for their noble deeds and sacrifice. Let us honor them by upholding the rule of law, protecting our nation and fostering goodwill among ourselves," the president said.

"We will harness the same virtues as we continue to fight against lawlessness, criminality and poverty that hinder us from achieving our full potential," he added.

Duterte issued the statement a day after the burial of delos Santos, one of the V6 people killed during intensified police operations against illegal drugs this month.

Policemen claimed that delos Santos was a drug runner and that he resisted arresting officers, forcing them to shoot him dead.

But witnesses claimed police had given delos Santos a cal.45 pistol and told him to run before shooting him. Security footage also showed law enforcers carrying delos Santos, casting doubts on the police’s claim that the boy fired the first shot.

Delos Santos’ death has sparked outrage, with politicians from both the opposition and administration demanding a probe on the manner police are conducting the campaign against illegal drugs.

Duterte’s critics claimed that his tough talk has encouraged policemen to resort to shortcuts and to break the law they are supposed to uphold.

Duterte has ordered the arrest of the policemen involved in delos Santos’ killing and has vowed to prosecute them “to the full extent” if they are found guilty of criminal acts. Malacañang has described delos Santos’ case as “a wakeJup call for the need to reform government institutions.”

Duterte praised the national heroes, whom he described as "men and women who helped lay the foundations of this nation."

"Their courage, leadership and wisdom paved the way for us to enjoy the blessings of freedom, independence and democracy. They have dedicated their lives to ensure that future generations will have a life that is full and comfortable," the president said.

"As we commemorate the life and works of our national heroes, we must continue to embrace their ways in our daily undertakings. Let us emulate their example as we continue to realize our ideals and aspirations for ourselves and for our country," he added.

Duterte will lead the National Heroes’ Day rites at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio on Monday.

He will then proceed to San Fernando, Pampanga to attend “SamaJsama tulong tulong sa pagbangon at pagsulong,” a boodle fight organized to counter the bird flu scare.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Duterte would join poultry farmers in eating chicken and duck eggs to assure consumers that their products are safe to eat.