Crimes to be 'almost wiped out' in 3-6 months
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte expressed optimism on Tuesday that his administration will be able to reduce, if not fully eradicate, criminality in the country in three to six months.
"Hopefully, in the fullness of God's time, I may not be able really to claim it three to six months. But by the time, perhaps, three months, six months, six months and one day after, it is almost wiped out," Duterte said in his speech during the 69th Anniversary of the Philippines Air Force in Clark, Pampanga.
During the campaign period, Duterte promised the three to six months timeframe to eradicate crimes.
While he expressed doubt that it will be completely done, the President remained hopeful that his proposed timeframe will still be realistic.
Duterte, who vowed to restore the death penalty for heinous crimes, reiterated that he would push for execution by hanging as a form of retribution against those who will continue to do illegal wrongdoings.
"I won't give up. I said I would stake my honor, my life, and even the presidency so you better stop (doing illicit acts)," the President said. "Now that I'm here (serving you as president), I will fulfill my job," Duterte said.
Warning to police, gov't workers involved in drugs
Duterte also warned all government employees, including the police, to distance themselves from crimes and illicit drug trade, as they will not be saved from summary execution now being carried out by the law enforcement agencies.
"Many have already died and many will die because of the criminal syndicates and the drug distribution. Even though you are a police or an official, you should not interfere because you will place yourself in the line of fire," he said.
Duterte also said that it is going to be a “dirty” and “bloody” fight against the drug lords and their protectors.
"I am not apologizing for it. May I tell all – even the international community – all who will be killed, face charges under the Revised Penal Code in the fulfillment of their duties as public authority, that's mine, mine and mine alone. I assume full legal responsibility for it," he said
Air Force chief Lieutenant General Edgar Fallorina assured the President of the PAF's support on his fight against crimes and terrorism.
"Mr. President, the Air Force is ready to take on this commitment to higher level with you as our commander-in-chief,” Fallorina said. "Air Force is fully engaged to support our President’s battle cry of genuine and meaningful change."
Fallorina said the PAF would be committed to coordinating with the military and police forces, in a bid to bring peace and order in the country.
"We will continue to formulate effective strategies to strengthen more our engagement and collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Navy, as well as other government agencies such as the police force," he said. (LMY/With Ruth Abbey Gita/Sunnex)