Duterte vows to neutralize drug lords within half a year if elected

MANILA, Philippines - Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte is determined to neutralize half of the estimated 3,000-5,000 drug lords operating in the country during his presidency, his running-mate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said on Monday.

Speaking in his Sunday television program, "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa," Duterte said the drug problem in the country has worsened to such a degree that it has become a threat to national security.

"In some places in the country, the drug menace has become so bad that drug users have resorted to paying for drugs not with cash but with goats and livestock," Duterte said.

"In three to six months, everything has to stop. Corruption, drug, criminality. You are oppressing the Filipinos, and I hate it,” Duterte added, referring to criminals.

Cayetano said his tandem with Duterte has a comprehensive plan and stategy as well as the political will to win the war against drugs. Part of the strategy, he said, calls for the dual task of disciplining and improving the salaries and benefits of the police and other law enforcers.

"Under a Duterte-Cayetano government, minimum take home pay for law enforcers will be at P 50,000-60,000 plus allowances. We will also impose harsh punishment for 'bantay salakay' law enforcers. We will leave no excuses for corruption nor sleeping on the job," Cayetano said.

Meanwhile, Cayetano said they received reports that big drug syndicates based in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao have linked-up to put up a united front against their electoral campaign.

"We will not be cowed. We will hit them where it hurts the most. We will strike at the belly of the beast. We will bring the war to their doorsteps," Cayetano said.

"For the sake of our families' safety and the future of our children, Mayor Duterte and I will end this social menace. Hindi na pwede ang pateka-teka. Sawa na tayo sa pamedya medya. Panahon na para sa matapang na solusyon at mabilis na aksyon laban sa salot na droga sa ating bansa. To our growing supporters, stay calm. Change is coming," Cayetano added.

Cayetano said that before Duterte entered the political picture, the issue of illegal drugs was not in the front and center of the electoral agenda.

“With Duterte running as president many look forward to him to end the country's growing drug problem,” said Cayetano.