Combating the illegal drug problem will soon be part of the government troops’ mandate during the Martial Law period in Mindanao.
President Duterte said a new general order will be issued authorizing troops to conduct warrantless arrests of drug traffickers, not just groups involved in lawless violence and rebellion in the South.
Duterte made the remarks after insisting he would listen only to the military and police, not the Supreme Court and Congress, on when the martial rule in Mindanao would be lifted.
“Kasali ang droga. ‘Yun nga ang No. 1. Isali ko na ngayon kasi ang sa rason na ibinigay ko sa declaration ng Martial Law, rebellion. I will come up with another general order,” the President said before an assembly of government troops in Jolo, Sulu last Saturday.
“We will go after drugs and you can arrest them without warrant and you can search their houses without a search warrant,” he added.
Duterte said security officials have informed him that Mindanao has reached a dangerous level due to the deadly mix of criminals, terrorists, and drug elements.
“Kung ganon ang sitwasyon, I have no other recourse but to declare Martial Law,” he said. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
