Rody to ICC: So jail me
Despite the possibility of being investigated or prosecuted for extrajudicial killings by the International Criminal Court (ICC), President Duterte declared yesterday there will be no letup in his vicious war on drugs.
“The war on drugs will not stop and will last until the day I step down. If I go to prison, I will go to prison,” the President said in remarks at the launching of the Malasakit Programs for the Visayas at the Vicente Sotto Medical Center in Cebu City.
Addressing the ICC, Duterte said, “If you want to execute me, look for a country that allows the execution of prisoners by firing squad.”
Last week, the ICC announced that it would conduct a “preliminary examination” of reports of extrajudicial killings in the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
The action stemmed from a communication filed last year by Jude Sabio, lawyer of Edgar
with Canada for the purchase of 16 Bell 412 combat utility helicopters, which was supposed to be delivered early next year.
The President directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to find another supplier for the helicopters.
Canada ordered a review of the contract after receiving information that the helicopters might be used to intensify the Duterte administration’s anti-insurgency operations.
The DND, however, said the helicopters would be used for the military’s internal security operations as well as search and rescue during disasters.
PNP gets 20 vehicles from Japan
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday received 20 patrol cars from the Japanese government.
President Duterte witnessed the turnover of the Mitsubishi cars along with Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda at Camp Sergio Osmeña Sr. in Cebu City.
PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said the vehicles would be distributed to police stations in Central Visayas to boost the campaign against drugs and other crimes.
Also present during the turnover were Police Regional Office 7 director Chief Supt. Robert Quenery and Director Jose Maria Victor Ramos, head of logistics.