Pubdate: Sat, 25 Jun 2016
Source: Philippine Star (Philippines)
Copyright: PhilSTAR Daily Inc. 2016
Contact:  http://www.philstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/622
Author: Alexis Romero

RODY VOWS TO MATCH DRUG LORDS' BOUNTY

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is unfazed by reports that drug lords 
have placed a bounty on his head and even promised increased reward 
money and promotion to policemen who will "slaughter" those involved 
in illegal drugs.

Duterte, who has vowed to wage a bloody war against criminality, said 
he is ready to match the bounty offered for his life.

"If he (drug lord) puts P50 million for my life, I will put P60 
million. Kill him. No questions asked. We can match each other's 
price," Duterte said during the turnover ceremony of the Davao City 
Police Office yesterday.

"If he puts up P100 million, I will give you P150 million. Slaughter 
them and I will be happy," he added.

In jest, Duterte promised to give an on-the-spot promotion to 
policemen who would eliminate drug lords.

"I will give you a promotion on the spot from PO1 to general," he said.

Duterte reiterated that policemen could kill criminals if they do so 
to defend themselves.

"These are my orders and listen very carefully. If you encounter a 
criminal, ask him to surrender. If he chooses to fight and you think, 
you feel in your gut that you will die in the fighting, unahan mo na 
(go ahead). Kill the criminal, especially those involved in drugs," he said.

Duterte said mayors with links to drug syndicates would not be spared 
from his antinarcotics campaign.

"Let's not fool each other. Your (police) job is to guard him (mayor 
with links to drug syndicates). Find the truth and if he is arrested 
and chooses to fight, you kill him," the toughtalking leader said.

Duterte said he would ask Congress to amend the law allowing mayors 
to assign police chiefs in their area.

"The national government will do it. Why? Many who are into drugs won 
as mayor of their respective towns and cities. I won't give them that 
luxury," he said.

Duterte nevertheless reminded policemen to follow existing laws in 
performing their operations.

"Just stick to the rules and tell me the truth. Do not lie to me. I 
will take charge," he said.

"It is not taught in criminal books that you can shoot people who are 
tied," he added.

Duterte also advised policemen not to be afraid to perform their duties.

"Do not die. Kill the criminal. I will even give you a medal as big 
as a plate," he said.

The incoming president, however, stressed that law enforcers' loyalty 
should be directed to the country and the Constitution and not to him.

"Do not nurture loyalty to me. I don't need it, I don't need 
adulation. All that I ask of you is do your duty according to the 
law," Duterte said.

Duterte promised to double the salaries of policemen by the end of the year.

He also vowed to put up a fund for policemen who need financial assistance.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom