Pubdate: Sun, 08 Aug 2004
Source: Mindanao Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2004 Mindanao Times.
Contact:  http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2980
Author: Anthony S. Allada

'SWIM NOW,' DRUG PEDDLERS TOLD

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has told those individuals involved in illegal drugs 
to "start swimming now to go as far as Sarangani province" if they still 
want to live.

In his weekly television program "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa" aired live 
over ABS-CBN Davao, Duterte said that he has had enough of drug traffickers 
operating in the city and that he was already tired of telling them to stop 
their illegal activities.

"Hawa na mo diri sa Davao kay mahurot ra dyud mo diri. Sugod na mog langoy 
karon hangtud Sarangani," he said.

The mayor raised his warning as the number of the city's vigilante-related 
killings now reached to 59.

Most of those killed were believed to be involved in illegals, including 
three scions of wealthy businessmen here, who were just shot dead last week.

For the nth time though, Duterte has denied that the government has 
something to do with the killings of these suspected criminals.

"Kung namatay na sila wala ko kabalo. Ug wala sad ko kabalo kung kinsa ng 
ginatawag nga DDS (Davao Death Squad)," the mayor said.

He said he only believed that there is a group which is not pleased of the 
wrongdoings of these persons.

Some city councilors here expressed concern on what has been happening 
these days with the Davao City Police Office allegedly not doing concrete 
actions to stop and solve the killings.

Councilor Bonifacio Militar said he would recommend for the cut of 
government support to the police if they failed to stop and solve the 
summary executions within two months.

But leaders of the business sector here sid businesses were not affected 
and were even grateful for the killings.

City Tourism Operations Officer Edmundo Acaylar said that the tourism 
industry is still doing well while suspected criminals were killed one by one.

Uy Ching Siong, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce regional 
director, said the summary executions have created a good atmosphere for 
the business sector in the city.

Uy said these incidents have boosted the confidence of businessmen.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager