Duterte names officials linked to drugs

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – President Rodrigo Duterte early Sunday morning, August 7, named alleged drug protectors and persons involved in illegal drugs among police, judges, local government officials, and the military.

Speaking in Camp Panacan in Davao City, Duterte said those whom he mentioned should report to their mother units “within 24 hours”. He also ordered the cancellation of “any and all” firearm licenses issued to those whom he named.

“Firearms are ordered cancelled tonight,” he declared.

Judges should report to the Supreme Court, the police to the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, the army to the chief of staff, and local government officials to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“Operational authority” over the military and police officials assigned to mayors and other local government officials Duterte named were ordered “removed”. 

“Go out naked to the world and sow your kalokohan (foolishness),” Duterte said.

The police and military officials, retired and otherwise, should report to the office of the PNP chief. “Or else I will order the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines to hunt for you.”

Duterte, on August 5, already gave fair warning about the contents of his list of government officials with links to the drug trade. On the same day, two local officials suspected of involvement in drugs – Maguing Mayor Mamaulan Abinal Molok and former Marantao Mayor Mohammad Ali Abinal, husband of the incumbent mayor – surrendered to PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa.

‘Shabulized’

DILG Secretary Ismael “Mike” Sueño, according to Duterte, “will have to do his job there.” He added that he cannot determine what punishment or penalty will be imposed, but administrative sanctions will be certain if the charges are found to be true.

He named Iloilo as the most “shabulized” province in the country, referring to the magnitude and extent of shabu use in the area. 

“I am sorry for my country,” he said, lamenting the hundreds of thousands of drug addicts and pushers who have surrendered nationwide.

“Bakit tayo umabot sa ganitong magnitude? (Why did we get to this magnitude?) Kasi (Because) the government is into it,” Duterte said.

“Any mistake of the military and the police dito (here), ako yung tagasalo (I will take responsibility). I ordered the listing, revalidation, I am the one reading it and I am the sole person responsible for the same,” Duterte declared.

From his list, the President read the names of at least 7 judges, 52 incumbent and former mayors and vice mayors, 3 congressmen, 1 former Board member, and 95 police and military officers allegedly involved in drugs. All for a total of 158.

A list of the people named by the President are here. – Rappler.com