Palace: PNP generals in drugs entitled to due process

Malacañang does not see any problem with the ultimatum issued by president-elect Rodrigo Duterte against three police generals whom he believes have been protecting drug traffickers as long as they are held accountable within the bounds of law.

Outgoing Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. lauded the move of the incoming president to give stern warning to the leadership

of the Philippine National Police with links to the drug cartel.

Coloma told state-run radio dzRB that as chief executive and commander-in-chief as well of the Armed Forces, it is Duterte’s prerogative to do what he believes is right in his administration.

He said that the war against corruption was also among the priorities of the administration of outgoing President Aquino.

Duterte issued the warning against the so-called drug lord police generals late Saturday during the thanksgiving and victory party of about 200,000 of his supporters gathered at Crocodile Park in Davao City with the theme “One Love, One Nation DU31.”

“Corruption must stop. I would have to ask about three generals diyan sa (Camp) Crame to resign. Do not wait for me to name you in public because I will only humiliate you,” Duterte said.

Duterte also warned policemen who have drug-related and criminal cases that he would go after them without letup. “I have told you once before that if you destroy my country, I will kill you and if you destroy the youth of my country, I will kill you,” he told the cheering crowd, recalling the warning he issued at his May 7 miting de avance in Rizal Park where 600,000 attended.

He said that he has increased the bounty for the arrest or killing of drug lords, ranging from P5 million for the big fish to P50,000 for ordinary pushers.

The tough-talking local executive said dismissed cases of police officials would be reviewed under his administration.

After their cases were dismissed due to lack of speedy trial, Duterte said these policemen went back again “crucifying” the Filipino people.

Duterte alleged that at least three highranking officials of the Philippine National Police were involved in illegal drugs.

He urged citizens to arrest drug traffickers in their community.

Ordinary citizens could shoot drug traffickers if they resisted arrest and put people’s lives in danger, he added.

“If he fights and fights to death, you can kill them,” he said.

Duterte said he would even give a medal to citizens who would do it.

During the campaign period, Duterte vowed to stop illegal drugs, criminality and corruption in government within the first three to six months of his term.

Incoming PNP head Chief Supt. Ronald de la Rosa also warned policemen involved in illegal drugs to end their ties with syndicates.