PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday claimed that the Philippines is now a "narcotics country."
"Now, you ask [about] the Philippines. Are we or are we not a narcotic country? Yes, we are," said Duterte during his visit to policemen in Ozamiz Police Station in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental.
The President made the remark amid his administration's bloody crackdown on drug trade that has resulted in deaths of thousands of suspected drug peddlers since he assumed office in June 2016.
His statement came days after police killed 32 suspected drug personalities during intense raids in Bulacan province.
On Wednesday, Duterte called on more killings of individuals connected to the narcotics trade, in order to “reduce what ails the country.”
His apparent incitement resulted in the killings of another 25 suspected drug personalities during anti-drug operations in Manila on the eve of Wednesday up to the morning of Thursday.
Earlier in the day, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella assured the public that there would be “fair and impartial” investigation of the deadly anti-narcotics operations in Bulacan. However, he is yet to issue a statement regarding the latest drug-related killings in Manila.
Speaking before the Ozamiz cops, Duterte admitted that he underestimated the drug menace in the country when he made a campaign promise to stamp out the illegal drugs in just three to six months.
Duterte also blamed the participation of government employees in the illicit drug trade, which exacerbates the drug problem in the country.
“My critics are right [to question me when] I said, if I become president, [I can end the drug problem in] three to six months. I did not know about it when I entered [the presidency],” the President said.
"[When I was mayor] in Davao, drug proliferates but if you get involved there, you will really die," he added.
Reiterating his unwavering stance against illegal drugs, Duterte issued a stern warning to “stop playing with drugs” as he would not hesitate to kill anyone who will continue to engage in illegal drug transactions.
Duterte said he has to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs, even if human rights groups oppose his intensified campaign against narcotics.
"Do not ever, ever f*** with drugs because if you destroy my country, I will kill you. I've been repeating that. Human rights, b****, I don't care about you. I have a job to fulfill. If you do destroy the youth of the land, [you’ll face consequences]," he said.
"Why would I sacrifice the second generation after this? If this is the situation, what would be the future of our children in this country, which is a son of a b****?" he added.
Vice President Leni Robredo, for her part, reminded authorities to follow due process of law in the war on drugs.
"Hindi naman tayo ganiyan, eh. Hindi naman tayo ito. Iyong culture of impunity, matagal na nating isinikwal dito sa ating bansa. Sana hindi na natin papayagang makabalik pa," she said.
Robredo, a lawyer, underscored the importance of making criminals accountable for their actions, though not at the cost of due process.
The Vice President said that processes provided for in the Constitution must be observed in order to ensure that justice is done to each and every Filipino.
"Kapag mayroong ganitong patayan... hindi na hinahayaang gumiling pa iyong mga proseso na nasa Konstitusyon natin para siguruhin na iyong hustisya nabibigay para sa lahat," she said.
Robredo acknowledged the severity of the drug menace and the need to take action against illegal drugs. (With Jun Sarmiento/SunStar Philippines)