Instead getting involved in illegal drug trade, a policeman may quit his job and start a small business if he wants to earn more money.
President Duterte made the suggestion last Thursday after warning that he would not be forgiving towards policemen involved illegal drug activities.
“Huwag kayong pumasok sa alanganin. Be a police officer, a truly one who is there to serve the people. Maliit lang ang sweldo natin pero ‘yan man ang napili natin sa buhay,” he said during the graduation of public safety officers in Davao City Thursday.
“Gusto mo ng pera then get out of the police and start a business if you have the money,” he added.
The President cautioned the policemen not to make a mistake of getting involved with illegal drug trade or else they might end up dead. He said he may be “forgiving” for faults committed by policemen except for drug involvement.
“Do you know that I’ve been mayor of this city 23 years? Alam ko lahat ang racket ng buhay, pati racket ng pulis.
Okay lang sa akin magkasala kayo ng iba. Maybe I will be forgiving ,” he said.
“Pero warningan ko kayo ha: Huwag na huwag kayong magkamali na pumasok sa droga. Mamamatay talaga kayo. Nakikita naman ninyo ilan ang pulis na bumabagsak,” he said.
Duterte also vowed to anew to run after “ninja cops” or those involved in recycling seized illegal drugs.
“Yang mga pulis, mga ninja cop, mamamatay talaga ‘yan maski na na hindi na ako presidente. Habulin ko talaga ‘yang mga yawa na ‘yan,” he said.
Duterte said he has doubled the salary of policemen but acknowledged that such wage may still be small for some. Even so, Duterte reminded policemen to be “good” and perform their duty well and promised to support them.
“Pag matino ka na general, eh mahal kita. ‘Pag ikaw — ikaw pulis, mahal kita, mahal ko kayo. Kaya hindi ko kayo pababayaan,” he said.
He also offered anew to grant pardon for policemen who may be convicted of offenses in connection with the performance of their job.
“Hindi ko kayo pababayaan. Kung sabihin mo na wala na, madali lang. Paglabas ko sa presidency, pardon kayo lahat,” he said. (Genalyn Kabiling)
