MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday named five high-ranking officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs.
In his speech at the 69th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Duterte warned officials involved in illegal drugs and named PNP Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr., former National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Joel Pagdilao, Western Visayas regional director Chief Superintendent Bernardo Diaz, Quezon City Police District director Chief Superintendent Edgardo Tinio and retired police general Vicente “Vic” Loot.
"I'd like to name publicly General Marcelo Garbo, he was a protector of the drug syndicates in the country; General Vicente Loot who is now the mayor of one of the municipalities of Cebu; General Diaz, the former regional director of Region 11; General Pagdilao, former regional director NCRPO; General Tinio former QCPD director," Duterte said.
Who's who: 5 cops tagged in illegal drug trade
"As this time I order them relieved from their assignments and report to the director general. I would like to talk to them but certainly, I would expect the police commission to talk to them. Imbestigahan ninyo ito... hanapin ninyo ang totoo," he added.
Duterte said the officials committed treason after the country spent for their uniform and education. He added he does not usually humiliate officials but he felt the need to speak the truth.
"I have to tell you the truth and the truth is after so many validations even when I was a mayor of Davao City lumalabas na itong mga pangalan na ito at nakikita mo na ang mga iyon intensive identification of the criminal syndicates and drug distribution marami ng namamatay at marami pang mamamatay at wag kayong sumali diyan maski pulis kayo because you will place yourself in the line of fire," he said.
"Wag ninyo sirain ang bayan. I've been warning everybody. Do not destroy my country because I will kill you," Duterte added.
Duterte veered away from his prepared speech for the PAF anniversary as it was "all motherhood statements." Instead, he proceeded to his extemporaneous speech about corruption, illegal drugs, criminality.
He also stressed that his campaign against drugs would continue.
“I may not be able to clean it three to six months, but by six months and one day medyo tapos na."