In this image made from video provided by Radio Television Malacanang, new Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte takes the oath during the inauguration ceremony in Malacanang Palace, Thursday, June 30, 2016 in Manila, Philippines. Duterte was sworn in Thursday as president of the Philippines, with many hoping his maverick style will energize the country, but others fearing he could undercut one of Asia’s liveliest democracies amid his threats to kill criminals en masse. Radio Television Malacanang via AP Video
Addressing the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the first time as its commander in chief, President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday made a commitment with police that he will give his all-out support to them and even die for them—on one condition.
As long as they do their duty, without getting themselves involved in corruption, drugs and other illegal activities.
“Do not bullshit with me but do your duty, I will die for you,” Duterte said in his speech at Camp Crame during the assumption of office of PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
As if giving the police a permission to kill criminals, he said: “Do your duty and if in the process you kill 1,000 persons because you were doing duty and I will protect you.”
Duterte reiterated he will stand behind the cops who will be penalized for killing criminals.
“And if they will try to impeach me, I will hurry up the process and we go out of the service together,” he said.
Duterte, who had promised to double the salary of policemen to address corruption in the PNP, vowed to provide adequate funds and weapons to the police.
READ: Duterte studying P50K minimum wage for cops—Cayetano
“I will protect you in all of your undertakings, adventures, as a law enforcement guy, I will be there to protect you. I will provide you the funds. I will provide the weapons needed to fight criminality, particularly drugs,” he said.
It may be recalled that Duterte vowed to resign if drugs and crime would not be reduced within three to six months.
READ: Duterte: Kill me if I fail to bust crime, corruption in 6 months