President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered policemen to “dump” criminals in the Pasig River.
“Criminals, drug addicts are not supposed to be in the streets. So my directive is if they continue to stay in street corners, accompany them to [the] Pasig [River],” Duterte said.
“Tie their hands, and then dump them there.”
In other developments:
• The Department of the Interior and Local Government said Thursday it supports Duterte’s proposal to arm barangay captains to protect themselves.
Interior Officer in Charge Eduardo Año said arming village chiefs was a viable plan depending on the gravity of the threats to them.
“As they are our first line of defense in the grassroots level, their exposure to various scalawags and criminal elements is high. The need for urgent protection is therefore imperative,” Año said.
*Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said he was not in favor of arming barangay captains as suggested by Duterte.
Instead of giving guns to the 42,000 barangay captains, Drilon said, the solution was to enforce the rule of law, strengthen the criminal justice system and hold the Philippine National Police responsible.
He also cited the need to impose the standards on law enforcement that the people deserved.
“We must make criminals pay and restore respect for the law,” Drilon said.
• Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said policemen will soon be cracking down harder on loiterers and lingerers drinking alcohol in public.
He told reporters the police were continuing to run after lingerers violating local ordinances, particularly those holding drinking sessions on the streets.
Duterte assured the police of his full support as long as they did their duties strictly in accordance with the law.
“Do not be afraid to go after the criminals. You know, the streets and highways, we built them for the law-abiding citizens. Criminals and drug addicts are not supposed to be there,” Duterte said.
“You be strict. Part of confronting people who do not do nothing and are just idling around, they are potential trouble for the public.”
In his speech, Duterte said he wanted the newly promoted officials to embody the highest standards of excellence and selfless leadership at all times and not to settle for anything less.
He also asked the help of the newly promoted officials to realize his campaign promise of eliminating illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality.
He said while his administration had accomplished much since it started its journey almost two years ago, more still needed to be done.
“Join me in this quest. I assure you that you have my full support as you contribute to our efforts in advancing the common good and promoting the safety and well-being of our people,” Duterte said.