Duterte tells local officials, cops involved in drug trade: ‘Prepare your obituaries now’

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has issued another chilling warning against local officials and policemen involved in the illegal drug trade.

On Thursday, he asked them to prepare their obituaries as he vowed that the government’s drug war will send them to hell.

Speaking before newly appointed officials in Malacañang, Duterte said the government’s crackdown on narcotics will have “no middle ground” for drug-tainted officials.

“Pag ang mayor naghawak ng negosyo ng droga (If the mayor is involved in the illegal drugs trade…). Kaya kayo nakikinig kayo lahat (Listen to me), p***** i** papatayin ko talaga kayo (I will really kill you). You better write your obituary to human rights. You destroy my country, I will kill you…There’s no middle ground there and you can go to hell, for all I care,” Duterte said.

“I’m warning the mayor, the barangay captains, and the many police officers who have died, pati (including the) PDEA. Don’t f*** with me. I will kill you, period,” he added.

The President stressed that his administration will continue the war on drugs despite criticism from human rights groups.

Since assuming the presidency in 2016, Duterte has made the crackdown on illegal drugs the focal point of his administration.

Local and international human rights groups have expressed opposition to his brutal drug war, citing alleged violations of human rights, which the government vehemently denied. /ee