Rody to village chiefs: Be responsible, fight drugs

President Duterte reminded newly elected barangay captains in Central Visayas to always be true in their mandate in serving their constituents.

Duterte made the statement as he swore in 2,633 newly elected barangay captains, almost a month after the first barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections under his administration.

Duterte rallied the newly elected officials for their support as the government intensifies its campaign against illegal drugs, corruption and crime.

"It’s not a threat, it’s just an advice. I am pleading that you are with government now kindly be one, or be responsible for your mandates sa taong-lungsod (to the people). We have a problem sa Pilipinas (here in the Philippines)," he said in his Thursday night speech which was mostly in Cebuano.

Duterte also told the barangay chiefs that he recognizes their importance in tackling the spread of illegal drugs and abuses in the bureaucracy.

Duterte, however, warned them to not get involved in illegal drugs, as he reiterated his campaign pledge to address the drug trade.

Duterte earlier explained that he decided to postpone the barangay elections, saying it might negate the effect of his ongoing war against illegal drugs. He cited this as a reason for postponing the scheduled local elections twice since he assumed office.