Pubdate: Mon, 06 Jun 2016
Source: Philippine Star (Philippines)
Copyright: PhilSTAR Daily Inc. 2016
Contact:  http://www.philstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/622
Author: Delon Porcalla

PALACE: PNP GENERALS IN DRUGS ENTITLED TO DUE PROCESS

Malacanang does not see any problem with the ultimatum issued by 
president-elect Rodrigo Duterte against three police generals whom he 
believes have been protecting drug traffickers as long as they are 
held accountable within the bounds of law.

Outgoing Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary 
Herminio Coloma Jr. lauded the move of the incoming president to give 
stern warning to the leadership of the Philippine National Police 
with links to the drug cartel.

Coloma told state-run radio dzRB that as chief executive and 
commander-in-chief as well of the Armed Forces, it is Duterte's 
prerogative to do what he believes is right in his administration.

He said that the war against corruption was also among the priorities 
of the administration of outgoing President Aquino.

Duterte issued the warning against the so-called drug lord police 
generals late Saturday during the thanksgiving and victory party of 
about 200,000 of his supporters gathered at Crocodile Park in Davao 
City with the theme "One Love, One Nation DU31."

"Corruption must stop. I would have to ask about three generals diyan 
sa (Camp) Crame to resign. Do not wait for me to name you in public 
because I will only humiliate you," Duterte said.

Duterte also warned policemen who have drug-related and criminal 
cases that he would go after them without letup. "I have told you 
once before that if you destroy my country, I will kill you and if 
you destroy the youth of my country, I will kill you," he told the 
cheering crowd, recalling the warning he issued at his May 7 miting 
de avance in Rizal Park where 600,000 attended.

He said that he has increased the bounty for the arrest or killing of 
drug lords, ranging from P5 million for the big fish to P50,000 for 
ordinary pushers.

The tough-talking local executive said dismissed cases of police 
officials would be reviewed under his administration.

After their cases were dismissed due to lack of speedy trial, Duterte 
said these policemen went back again "crucifying" the Filipino people.

Duterte alleged that at least three highranking officials of the 
Philippine National Police were involved in illegal drugs.

He urged citizens to arrest drug traffickers in their community.

Ordinary citizens could shoot drug traffickers if they resisted 
arrest and put people's lives in danger, he added.

"If he fights and fights to death, you can kill them," he said.

Duterte said he would even give a medal to citizens who would do it.

During the campaign period, Duterte vowed to stop illegal drugs, 
criminality and corruption in government within the first three to 
six months of his term.

Incoming PNP head Chief Supt. Ronald de la Rosa also warned policemen 
involved in illegal drugs to end their ties with syndicates.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom