No threats:  ‘Duterte sought governors’ help in war on drugs’

President Rodrigo Duterte.  RENATO LUMAWAG/ Presidential Photo

MANILA — Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Antonio Cerilles described President Duterte’s speech during the meeting with the governors, on Thursday, as more of an appeal than a threat about the ongoing war on drugs.

“At least may pagbabago. In previous speeches, nananakot siya. (At least, there was change.  In previous speeches, he was threatening.) This time, his speech was more of an appeal for support,” Cerilles told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone.

Duterte met with governors and some other officials to air his appeal for help and support in his campaign against illegal drugs.

Cerilles said the President also urged “everyone to see the list” of government people allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade.

“I left immediately after his talk. I didn’t see the list. What is important is that we have been at war against drugs for a long time,” he said.

Aside from the governors, Cerilles said chairpersons and consultants of the Regional Peace and Order Councils were also in the meeting.

Days before the meeting with governors, Duterte met with mayors, some of whom said he had made them very uncomfortable with his angry, threatening stance.

Governor Mujiv Hataman said President Duterte asked them to help government in its campaign against illegal drugs.

“Hindi naman siya nagalit. (He did not get mad.) He just reiterated his appeal for us to help. He also asked us governors to watch over the police and local officials who are on the list of those allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade,” Hataman added.

North Cotabato Acting Governor Shirlyn Macasarte-Villanueva, who attended the meeting, said Duterte was in a light mood when he faced them on Thursday afternoon.

“He is in the mood, nothing of the expletives like the usual PI against the governors,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva said Duterte was also visibly calm as he was addressing them.

She said Duterte also told them he was willing to die and lose the presidency to prevent the country from becoming a narco-state.

Villanueva said the President asked the governors to help in his campaign against illegal drugs.

Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Emano said Duterte wanted them to help against barangay (village) chiefs, who were said to be involved in the illegal drugs trade.   SFM