Pubdate: Tue, 19 Jul 2016
Source: Philippine Star (Philippines)
Copyright: PhilSTAR Daily Inc. 2016
Contact:  http://www.philstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/622
Author: Christina Mendez

DUTERTE WON'T MIND BEING COMPARED TO IDI AMIN

Unfazed by the public outcry over drug-related killings and arrests 
barely three weeks into his term, President Duterte said he doesn't 
mind having more drug offenders killed even if it would mean his 
being likened to the late Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.

Speaking at a fellowship dinner over the weekend with his batchmates 
at the San Beda College of Law, Duterte reiterated that he would not 
change his leadership style, which he said had been effective in 
Mindanao. Duterte was Davao City mayor for two decades.

Around 72,000 drug dependents have surrendered to authorities so far 
since he assumed office on June 30.

"Wala akong pakialam. Ang paradigm ko hindi dito sa Maynila. Sa 
Mindanao, patayan kaagad. O ' yung mga nalaman ko. Bakit ko 
papalitan? (I don't care. My paradigm is not here in Manila. In 
Mindanao, killings happen fast. That's what I've learned. Why change 
it?) It is serving the country," he said.

"I know that it would put me maybe... I will retire with the 
reputation of Idi Amin," he said.

But unlike Idi Amin who killed to keep himself in power or out of 
plain brutality, Duterte said he would only be tough on hardened 
criminals, especially drug pushers and dealers.

Idi Amin brutally ruled Uganda for eight years until he was deposed 
and forced into exile in 1979.

At the start of his administration, Duterte openly advocated the 
killing of drug suspects. But he clarified law enforcers can only 
kill drug offenders if the latter resist arrest or fight back.

He said he felt insulted upon realizing that some drug lords had 
managed to continue their illegal trade while serving time at the New 
Bilibid Prison.

"So what do you make about these guys cooking (drugs) inside? I said 
there would be a reckoning," said the 71-year-old President.

The Chief Executive said shabu could be considered worse than cocaine 
or heroin in terms of its effect on the brain. He said shabu 
production involves lethal chemicals, including those used for car batteries.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom