Malacañang is elated that Indonesian authorities are reportedly considering to emulate President Duterte’s strong campaign against illegal drugs.
Presidential communications assistant secretary Ana Marie Banaag recognized that the President has become popular abroad, citing his strong political will to keep Filipinos safe.
“We can only appreciate iyong lahat ng…if they appreciate our President,” Banaag said in a radio interview, reacting to reports that Indonesia has been inspired by Duterte’s war on drugs.
“Di ba nakakagaan ng loob na at least somehow may tao na may political will na may gustong gawin para sa ating bansa?,” she added.
Banaag acknowledged that the President’s foremost concern is to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos, adding she hopes the public will also rally behind Duterte.
“Basically ‘pag ordinaryong Pilipino ang gusto mo is safe ka sa bahay mo. Sa kalsada, safe ang mga anak mo, primary iyon,” she said.
“Second is: Anong ipapakain mo sa mga anak mo. But more so, iyong safety mo ‘di ba? So, right now, the best that we can do is to support the President,” she said.
The anti-narcotics chief of Indonesia reportedly plans to boost the country’s campaign against drugs by getting more police recruits and heavy weaponry.
When asked if Indonesia could be as aggressive as the Philippines in the anti-drug front, Budi Waseso, chief of Indonesia’s national anti-narcotics agency, reportedly said: “Yes I believe so. It can happen because (the drugs problem) in Indonesia is as bad as in the Philippines.” (Genalyn D. Kabiling)