President Duterte has appealed to the Chinese community to “better shape up” and help the government keep peace and order in the country.
The President sought the cooperation of the Chinese community amid his intensified campaign against the illegal drugs trade during the PDP-Laban campaign rally in Bacolod City Thursday.
“Kayo dito sa Chinese – sa civilian sector tapos ‘yung mga Chinese community kaya kayo ang pinagdudahan, you better shape up and try to help government,” he said.
Duterte admitted that while he has a duty to protect and serve the public, he needs the public support to ensure communities are safe.
He said they should not allow drug pushers to roam their neighborhood.
“Kasi kung ako ang sinabi ko nakatira dito, hindi ako papayag sa neighborhood namin sa Matina may pusher. Maski civilian ako babarilin talaga kita. Simplehan kita ng baril,” he added.
“Gusto ko ng kapayapaan. It’s my – nanumpa ako eh. So you have to help. Itong droga hin – mas madali ito kung pati kayo,” he added.
The President called on town mayors to take a “stronger stand” against criminals in their jurisdiction. He acknowledged that a mayor’s strong anti-crime stance would help maintain peace and order.
“It’s a matter of – really a choice of helping. Ewan ko lang kung ano ang kay mayor – manalo, you have to take a stronger stand. You have to protect the civilians,” he said.
The Duterte government has carried out an aggressive campaign against illegal drugs and criminality since 2016. The anti-drug crackdown, however, drew criticisms here and abroad for alleged human rights violations and other abuses.
Duterte, ignoring the human rights criticisms, has promised to continue to combat the drug problem in the remainder of his term. (Genalyn Kabiling)
