DAVAO CITY, Philippines– Barely a few weeks away from officially becoming the president of the Philippines, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte claimed that at least 35 local executives are involved in the sale of illegal drugs in the country.
During a meeting with solons on Tuesday, June 7 at the Malacañang of the South in Barangay Panacan in Davao City, Duterte asked his allies in the Congress to give their support in his campaign against criminality in the Philippines.
In an interview with the PHILIPPINE STAR, Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez said: “(He said) top officials of the PNP (Philippine National Police), and 35 local executives (are involved in the illegal drug trade).”
Suarez also added Duterte is giving them leeway to confess. However, he stressed that they will probably get a lighter sentence if they confess but not clemency or pardon.
The tough-talking politician from the South is yet to reveal his plans if the local officials refuse to confess their wrongdoings. But earlier, Duterte stated that he would not hesitate to kill in order to protect the country from the drug menace.
Moreover, Duterte earlier asked three police generals with supposed links to illegal drug trades to immediately resign or suffer humiliation.
“Corruption must stop. I will ask three generals there in (Camp) Crame to resign. Do not wait for me to name you in public because I will only humiliate you,” Duterte warned during his victory party at the Crocodile Park on Saturday, June 4.
Cagayan Top Drug Lord Killed by Gunmen
Rodelun Umoquit, one of the most wanted drug personalities in Cagayan, was ambushed by unidentified gunmen on Monday, June 6 in Buguey town while he was driving his Nissan van.
He was declared dead on arrival in a public hospital in a nearby town.