Duterte assures De Lima's safety after arrest | Inquirer News

Duterte assures De Lima’s safety after arrest

People are more interested to see her in jail than her death, says President
/ 03:30 PM February 27, 2017

de Lima arrested

Philippine Senator Leila De Lima, a former human rights commissioner who is one of Duterte’s most vocal opponents, waves to her supporters after appearing at a court in Muntinlupa City, suburban Manila on February 24, 2017. AFP PHOTO

Should Senator Leila de Lima be afraid now that she has been arrested for drug-related charges?

President Rodrigo Duterte himself said she has nothing to fear.

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“I assure that she is safe,” he said during a televised ambush interview in Malacañang. “I think people are interested not to see her death but to see her in prison for what she did.”

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Duterte also said that people who are not involved in drugs have nothing to fear.

“You are a critic of the drug campaign and you yourself are into drugs? You should be afraid,” he then said.

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The President insisted that he was never in contact with Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre while De Lima’s case was being prepared.

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“(De Lima) she can always pray that the truth will come out eventually, if there is another truth,” he said, explaining that he does not enjoy going against other people.

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He said he only goes after criminals who deserve to be killed.

Duterte said the country cannot progress if many are addicted to drugs.

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“Even if I am like this, I love my country and I will really destroy you,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English. JE

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After awaiting arrest at Senate, De Lima turns self in to CIDG

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Palace: De Lima arrested for criminal, not political, case

TAGS: arrest, Drugs, Jail, Leila de Lima, Malacañang, Prison

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