|
Monday, November 08, 2004
Did Duterte once torch a kidnapper?
By Ben O. Tesiorna
MAYOR Rodrigo Duterte Sunday admitted torching a dead kidnapper sometime ago to send a strong warning against criminals operating in Davao City.
But, in his trademarked paradoxical way of answering, he says this was a "hypothetical truth".
Duterte made the admission during an interview by respected columnist Max Soliven in Sunday's Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa television program.
Soliven was then asking Duterte about his tough stance against criminals and how he deals with them.
"You want me to tell the truth?" the mayor asked Soliven.
"I don't want you to get into trouble baka may kalaban kang nanonood ngayon dito at naka-tape 'to (referring to the live interview)," Soliven demurred.
"It's okay. I will tell you 'yung totoo na hypothetical ba," Duterte answered before telling how he torched the kidnapper.
The mayor said the incident happened during his first term.
He said the suspect whom he did not identify is a known kidnapper who was killed while fighting it out with authorities.
After checking on the body, he said, he doused it with kerosene and set it on fire.
Duterte then warned that he will do the same to Chinese drug dealers who may be planning to set up operations.
"'Pag nadakip ko kayong naga-operate ng shabu laboratory dito, I assure you na itatali ko kayo sa mga equipment niyo and I will burn you along with your equipment," Duterte said.
The mayor said that so far, no one has dared set up a shabu laboratory in the city and that most of the illegal drugs are being smuggled in frmo Cotabato City and other areas.
Aside from torching a criminal, Duterte admitted talking with a group of kidnappers who were reportedly planning to abduct a prominent businessman here in the city.
He said he met with the kidnap group alone sans bodyguards.
Duterte however admitted that he was not without any protection during the meeting.
"I had a fragmentation grenade with me that time," Duterte said.
(November 8, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
