Duterte: Sereno statement on need for arrest warrant promotes anarchy

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and President Rodrigo Duterte (INQUIRER PHOTOS)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday launched fresh tirades against Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno over her statements on the need for arrest warrants in the government’s war against crime and illegal drugs.

Speaking during the 10th anniversary of the East Mindanao Command in Davao City, Duterte said the statements of Sereno were “very dangerous.”

“Madame Justice, you are again wrong when you said, ‘Do not allow yourself arrested without a warrant.’ Madadagdagan ang patay niyan,” he said.

READ: Sereno to judges: Don’t surrender to cops sans arrest warrant

The President said Sereno’s statements would promote anarchy.

“It is a very dangerous statement. You will promote anarchy. There is no anarchy under my watch,” he said.

The 71-year old Chief Executive explained that a warantless arrest was possible if a crime was “committed in your presence.”

Sereno earlier cautioned the judges identified by Duterte as those with links to the illegal drug trade not to surrender to any police officers in the absence of a warrant of arrest.

Duterte told Sereno not to issue such statements.

“Ma’am, I am sorry. But please do not give such statements,” he said.

He challenged the Chief Justice to walk on the streets and find out how his war on drugs and criminality had improved the situation.

“At no other time ang streets of Manila almost freed of criminals. Maglakad ka ma’am and find out,” he said.