CAGAYAN DE ORO — Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday admitted that his presidency would be "bloody" as he would go after criminals.
During the initial round of the presidential debates commissioned by the Commission on Elections in Cagayan de Oro, Duterte admitted to having killed criminals. He has been accused in the past years by human rights organizations of heading vigilante groups that go after suspected crooks.
"If I become president, it would be bloody because we'll order the killing of all criminals, ang mga durugista at drug lords," Duterte said.
The presidential aspirant added that he will continue to order the police to kill criminals as long as it in accordance with the rule of law.
Duterte, however, denied reports that there have been cases on acts of lasciviousness filed against him.
"Wala akong kaso na ganoon. I don't know who invented it," Davao City mayor said.
All five presidential candidates are present at the presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro.
The debate will focus on the candidates' track record, agriculture development, poverty and peace and order.