MANILA, Philippines — President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is unfazed by reports that drug lords have placed a bounty on his head and even promised higher sums and promotion to policemen who will “slaughter” those who are involved in the narcotics trade.
Duterte, who has vowed to wage a bloody war against criminality, said he is ready to match the bounty offered for his life.
“If he (drug lord) puts P50 million for my life, I will put P60 million. Kill him. No questions asked. We can match each other’s price,” Duterte said during the turnover ceremony of the Davao City Police Office Friday.
“If he puts up P100 million, I will give you P150 million. Slaughter them and I will be happy,” he added.
In jest, Duterte promised to give an on-the-spot promotion to policemen who would eliminate drug lords.
“I will give you a promotion on the spot from PO1 to general,” he said.
READ: Convicted drug lords deny plot to kill Duterte
Duterte reiterated that policemen can kill criminals if they do so to defend themselves.
“These are my orders and listen very carefully. If you encounter a criminal ask him to surrender. If he chooses to fight and you think, you feel in your guts that you will die in the fighting, unahan mo na (go ahead). Kill the criminal especially those involved in drugs,” he said.
Government officials not spared
Duterte said mayors with links to drug syndicates would not be spared from his anti-narcotics campaign.
“Let’s not fool each other. Your (policemen) job is to guard him (mayor with links to drug syndicates). Find the truth and if he is arrested and chooses to fight you kill him,” the tough-talking leader said.
Duterte said he would ask Congress to amend the law allowing mayors to assign police chiefs in their area.
“The national government will do it. Why? Many who are into drugs won as mayor of their respective towns and cities. I won’t give them that luxury,” he said.
Duterte, nevertheless, reminded policemen to follow existing laws in performing their operations.
“Just stick to the rules and tell me the truth. Do not lie to me. I will take charge,” he said.
“It is not taught in criminal books that you can shoot people who are tied,” he added.
Duterte also advised policemen not to be afraid to perform their duties.
“Do not die. Kill the criminal. I will even give you a medal as big as a plate,” he said.
The incoming president, however, stressed that law enforcers’ loyalty should be directed to the country and the constitution and not to him.
“Do not nurture loyalty to me. I don’t need it I don’t need adulation. All that I ask of you is do your duty according to the law,” Duterte said.
Duterte promised to double the salaries of policemen by the end of the year. He also vowed to put up a fund for policemen who need financial assistance. — with a report from Lorenzo Acuna