MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday warned policemen not to be involved in illegal drugs, saying all “ninja cops” or those involved in the resale of seized narcotics would die.
Duterte admitted that many policemen have entered the illegal drug trade, which he said is posing a threat to the next generation.
“Huwag kayo magkakamali pumasok sa droga. Mamamatay talaga kayo (Do not commit the mistake of getting into illegal drugs. You will really die),” the President said during the graduation of public safety officers in Davao City.
“The ninja cops will really die. Even if I am no longer President, I will run after these devils.”
He reiterated he would not hesitate to kill police personnel and drug dealers because they are destroying the country and making families dysfunctional.
“You are my policemen. Do not let our nation fall,” he said.
The President again lambasted human rights advocates, who he said are just focusing on the number of slain drug suspects. He said critics of his crackdown on illegal drugs should not dramatize the drug problem by accusing the government of extrajudicial killings.
“Do not be afraid to kill if they (suspects) fight back. If you sense that your life is in danger, do not wait for them to bring out their weapon. Just shoot him. It’s legal,” Duterte said.
He also advised police officers to avoid “grandstanding” politicians who he said are not doing anything but destroying the nation.
Duterte cited as example his fierce critic, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who he said keeps on politicking even if he has not done anything for the country.
“Trillanes keeps on talking until now. You know... politicians are just into politics...you know you should avoid people like that,” the President said.
“Mga grandstanding na wala namang magawa, hindi naman bemedalled, hindi naman nagpunta ng giyera, ang gago nasa opisina lang, tapos mag ambisyon. You know, yung mga ganun, iwasan ninyo (They are grandstanding but cannot do anything. He is not bemedalled. He has not been to war. That fool just worked in the office and yet he has ambition. You should avoid people like that). I am just advising you, stay clear. Sisirain tayo (They will destroy us),” he added.
Duterte made the remark a day after Trillanes launched a Youtube channel to present to the public what he described as “interesting exposés.”
Trillanes, a former Navy officer, has been critical of the policies of Duterte and has accused the President of irregularities.
Days before the 2016 elections, Trillanes accused Duterte of not declaring billions in his bank accounts but the allegation did not stop the President from winning by a landslide.
Duterte has denied the allegations and has expressed willingness to step down if Trillanes proves that he has hidden wealth.