Duterte to summon mayors linked to drug trade

CEBU CITY— President Duterte on Wednesday said he would summon mayors linked to the illegal drug trade, adding that the drug problem was a major concern that voters must confront in next year’s elections.

“I will summon them … that Daanbantayan Mayor Vicente Loot and other devils,” Mr. Duterte said in a speech during a meeting with some 700 Cebuano politicians belonging to the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan in Mandani Bay, Mandaue City.

‘General problem’

The President had earlier accused Loot, a retired police general, of being a protector of drug dealers. Loot has vehemently denied the accusation.

“That devil general is still alive. You’re a general problem,” Mr. Duterte said in Cebuano, referring to Loot.

The President also urged candidates in next year’s local elections to be wary of other candidates who might use drug money in their campaign.

“Drugs would be a very important factor in the coming elections,” he said.

The President also lashed out at groups that he described as “communists” for supposedly taking over government property.

“I instructed the military to kill these communists [if they] fight back,” he said.

Earlier, Mr. Duterte warned the urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap and other people’s organizations that he would have them shot if they took over government housing projects meant for soldiers, policemen and firefighters.