President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday reiterated his warning against cops who are involved in illegal drug activities telling them not to be “surprised” if they end up dead while linked to narcotics trade.
Duterte, during a press conference at the Bellevue Resort in Panglao, warned police officers anew when asked about his thoughts on the fatal anti-illegal drug operation against SPO1 Adonis Dumpit.
According to Duterte, Dumpit was better off getting killed in Bohol as he would have only suffered the same fate if he was operating in Davao City, the President’s and the slain cop’s hometown.
However, the President appeared not to be privy to Dumpit’s case as he asked media if the slain cop was suspected of involvement in the illegal drug trade.
“Let me ask you, drug related? Was he a suspect of being a narco [cop]? Involved siya sa narcotics? Taga Davao siya? Mabuti dito nalang siya tinapos kay kung narco siya, tapos din siya doon [Davao],” Duterte said.
Dumpit was killed in an alleged shootout against operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation and Regional Intelligence Division 7 during a drug interdiction operation near his home in Barangay San Isidro, Tagbilaran City on Wednesday.
Duterte, who was in Bohol for the 25th annual convention of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines, also expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of some local officials in the country including mayors who have shown inadequate support for his intensified drive against illegal drug trade.
He called on mayors who have not been supportive of his campaign to relinquish their responsibilities to their vice mayors.
“If that is the way how you behave as a mayor you better go out, then ibigay mo dito sa mga vice mayor,” said Duterte.
The President also threatened to strip uncooperative mayors of their power and supervision over the police in their respective areas.
“I will just withdraw his deputization, they are deputies of the Napolcom. They have guidance and direction. Ngayon kung dinhi ka [kumilos], tangalin ko yan, yang power over the police, and they just sit there as a civilian,” Duterte added.
According to Duterte, mayors should not be afraid to carry out their duties in addressing illegal drug issues.
The President said that he will defend mayors who will encounter harassment while doing their jobs as local chief executive.
“All you have to do is tell me, sinong kalaban mo, sinong nangharras sa inyo. Kung gusto mong ma solve ang problem, we solve the problem together. Ako mismo pupunta doon, sabay tayo,” said Duterte. (A. Doydora)