President Rodrigo Duterte advised law enforcers during the destruction of illegal drugs in Cavite on Thursday to be vigilant amid the country’s never-ending problem on dangerous substances.
Reiterating his vow to protect everyone from the “evils of drugs,” President Duterte disclosed that he has lost “not a minimal number” of policemen in the war on illegal drugs.
“Now I’m telling the law enforcement, the uniformed personnel: Do your duty. Do it in accordance with law pero (but) be alert and be wise. Alam mo kaunting pagkamali lang, barilin mo na. Because if you are not — maunahan ka o maalanganin ka (Shoot at the slightest mistake. Because if you do not, they will take you down first and you will be in danger),” he cautioned.
“Do not kill intentionally or killing, that’s murder. But kung may baril at nakabunot pa lang o nasa baywang na, barilin mo na kasi bubunot talaga ‘yan at ikaw ang mamamatay (But if they have a gun and draw it or if they have it around their waist, shoot them because they will really pull the gun and you will end up dead),” he added.
The Chief Executive also honored the law enforces for their “undying patriotic fervor” and for understanding what is at stake.
“I salute you because tayo lahat sa gobyerno magkasama (I salute you because all of us in the government are together) and we protect each other, and I will protect you.”
At least ₱7B worth of contrabands were destroyed in the event. Pres. Duterte has ordered in October the immediate destruction of seized illegal drugs as he pointed out the “burden of keeping a contraband or merchandise that can be stolen and used, and recycled.” – PTV News Online