PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday hit the Catholic priests anew, specifically Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla of the Archdiocese of Davao, for continually finding fault at the administration’s intensified campaign against narcotics trade.
“I’m really appalled by so many groups and individuals, including priests and bishops complaining about the number of persons killed here in the operations against the drug problem,” Duterte told policemen at Camp Amendan in Mercedes, Zamboanga City.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I tell you now: This (drug menace) is an ongoing and a recurring problem, which will never be stopped by any. It cannot really. We can only slow it down,” he added.
Duterte’s remarks were in response to Capalla’s recent statement that the President has to listen to the public because the country is now in “trouble” because of his drug war and expletive-laced rants against his critics.
In a report by Mindanews released last Saturday, Capalla said Duterte can become “the greatest president” if only he can listen to other people and talk less.
“Listening is very, very important. Even in a dialogue,” he said.
Duterte, however, shrugged off Capalla’s advice and stressed that he could not let the proliferation of drugs to flourish.
“[Drug addicts think] they are being chased, they will be killed. It’s paranoia. That’s why, invariably, they are armed and they will kill. And you will say I am just abusing [my powers to kill drug dependents]? What for? Why should I kill my countrymen?” the President said.
“That’s why I was [appalled]. This Capalla, our bishop there [in Davao, is criticizing me]. He is [lecturing me] but we just both have illicit affair. They were bishops while I was mayor then. These priests, son of a b****. Annoying. How could I stop [the government’s fight against illegal drugs sale]? If I stop it, everyone in the Philippines will die,” he added.
Duterte then maintained that his drug war will continue as the drug problem had been "evolving like hell."
Police reports said over 3,000 drug personalities have been killed since Duterte took office on June 30.
On October 4, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed concern over the spate of killings in the country, following the President's declaration to suppress drugs.
CBCP president and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villages said he was "worried, confused and sad" because of the summary executions of supposed individuals linked to drugs.
"I am sad that the cherished Filipino values pro-God, pro-people and pro-country are slowly eroding to be replaced by an open license for cuss words, orchestrated lies and vulgarity never heard before," Villegas said. (Sunnex)