Duterte warns 3 ‘corrupt’ PNP officers: Resign or be humiliated

DAVAO CITY—Resign or I will humiliate you in public.

This was the stern warning of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday to three high-ranking police officials accused of being corrupt.

“Corruption must stop. I would have to ask about three generals diyan sa (Camp) Crame to resign. Do not wait for me to name you in public because I will only humiliate you,” Duterte told around 500,000 supporters during his thanksgiving party here.

The tough-talking local executive said dismissed cases of police officials would be reviewed under his administration.

“Lahat ng mga pulis na na-dismiss ang mga kaso will be reviewed,” he said, explaining that most of the said policemen were able to avoid conviction.

After their cases have been dismissed due to lack of “speedy trial,” Duterte said these policemen “(went) back again (to) crucifying the Filipino people.”

In February, Duterte alleged that at least three high-ranking officials of the Philippine National Police were involved with illegal drugs.

The incoming President, however, refused to name the three generals.

He also did not mince words when it came to unscrupulous policemen involved in illegal drugs.

“Lahat ng pulis na wanted at may kaso ngayon, you have to…either kapag nandiyan ka pa sa droga ipapatay kita. Don’t take it as a joke. Di ako nagpapatawa, P***ng i** papatayin talaga kita,” he said, drawing wild applause from the crowd.

In his speech, Duterte urged citizens to arrest drug traffickers in their community. He said ordinary citizens could shoot drug traffickers if they resisted arrest and put people’s lives in danger.

“If he fights and fights to death, you can kill them,” he said.

Duterte said he would even give a medal to citizens who would do it.

During the campaign period, Duterte vowed to stop illegal drugs, criminality and corruption in government within the first three to six months of his term.

Incoming Philippine National Chief Chief Supt. Ronald dela Rosa also warned policemen involved in illegal drugs to end their ties with syndicates.

He said he already had the names policemen protecting drug syndicates but he declined to say how many officials were on the list./rga