‘Dirty Harry’ Alfredo Lim defends ‘The Punisher’ Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Former Manila mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday defended President Duterte, whom he considers a longtime friend and ally, against critics, particularly the United Nations’ human rights chief.

In a statement sent to The STAR, Lim specifically scored the statement made by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein that Duterte “needs to submit himself to some sort of psychiatric examination.”

Al-Hussein and other UN rights officials have focused significant attention on Duterte’s controversial drug war.

Lim said the attack on Duterte is an affront to the Office of the President and to the millions of Filipinos who voted for him.

Lim, who earned the nickname “Dirty Harry” for his campaign against crimes and illegal drugs in Manila, said he understands where Duterte – who was dubbed “The Punisher” for his stance against crime when he was Davao City mayor – is coming from.

He said the UN officials limited their interviews to Duterte’s critics and are not fully aware of the total human rights situation in the Philippines.

According to Lim, civilians fall victim to various crimes perpetrated mostly by drug addicts.

“Maybe one by one, these UN officials should try walking down the streets of Manila at night unaccompanied and incognito and see what happens. Tell them to wear some jewelry or use their cell phones while walking,” Lim said.

Citing his long experience apprehending criminals – Lim was a police officer and National Bureau of Investigation director before he entered politics – he said “human rights” have always been the favorite “shield” of criminals.

Lim also questioned why the UN is quiet about the staggering number of drug addicts in the country and the number of sensational, heinous crimes courtesy of suspects high on drugs.