Duterte tells cops, soldiers: Don’t listen to critics, I’ll protect you

CAGAYAN DE ORO—President Duterte tells police and soldiers not to listen to critics as he urged them to continue doing their job amid widespread criticism on the government’s campaign against tambays.

“It’s not your job to read, your job is to follow orders,” Duterte said, obviously referring to the negative remarks people expressed on social media following the death of Genesis “Tisoy” Argoncillo, in the hands of inmates, after he was jailed by the police in the anti-loitering drive.

Argoncillo was reportedly waiting for his e-load in a store in front of their house when police picked him up for loitering.

“Just follow orders,” Duterte told the police. “Tutal, nag-aral kayo, you know when the arrest is legal. We are not here to get medals,” he said. “I will answer for you. Kung nakapatay ka diyan, that is my worry, that is not your worry,” he added.

Duterte said his order to frisk civilian is legal, especially when it is done to protect public order.  “Pati official, duon nakatutok sa napatay na sibilyan,” he said, alluding to Tisoy. “Kung susuka ka sa harap ng mga preso, bugbugin ka talaga.”

“Do your work, do your duty, don’t be afraid, I will protect you,” Duterte said.

He also said the same to the barangay captains even as he warned mayors who were reportedly killing policemen involved in the anti-drug campaign.  “Do your duty,” Duterte told barangay captains. “If you cannot do it and the records will show, the crime rate (in your area is high, and also drugs) I will charge you with neglect (of duty),” the President said.

He also said he only had one order for mayors who are killing policemen who were serious in the anti-drug campaign. “Kill him,” Duterte said.

In his speech, President Duterte also gave in to earlier calls to arm barangay captains, and was even deliberating what kind of gun he would give them.  Duterte said he would prefer to give them .22 caliber pistols instead of shotguns or Magnum revolvers.