Pubdate: Thu, 30 Jun 2005
Source: Mindanao Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Mindanao Times.
Contact:  http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2980
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Rodrigo+Duterte
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Summary+Execution
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

RRD: DRUG LORDS BETTER DEAD THAN CAPTURED ALIVE

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte vowed to continue the war against the
proliferation of illegal drugs in the city despite the suspension
order issued by the Deputy Ombudsman for enforcement agencies to four
police officials accused of negligence and incompetence in preempting
and solving the summary killings from 1998 to 2004.

Duterte said his order to capture drug lords dead or alive stays, but
he stressed he prefers drug lords to be caught dead.

"That Chinese guy is lucky.  Have I known his presence beforehand, he
would have been captured dead," he said.

He admitted the charges against Senior Supt Conrado Laza, former
director of the Davao City Police Office, Chief Inspector Matthew
Baccay, precinct commander of the San Pedro Police Precinct, Senior
Inspector Filmore Escobal, former precinct commander of the Sta. Ana
Police Precinct, and  Chief Inspector Vicente Danao, Jr., former
precinct commander of the Talomo Police Precinct, are demoralizing the
local police force.

Duterte said these officers were made to answer for the events that
happened before they were assigned to their respective posts.
Negligence and inefficiency were also grounds in their suspension .

"How can that be when they won twice in a row as the best city police
office," he said.

Duterte confirmed the four officers are in Manila to secure legal help
in filing for a temporary restraining order.

"Maybe we will go up by certiorari and ask for a temporary restraining
order, because it really demoralizes the police, especially if you are
made to respond to events even if you were not yet assigned then," he
said.

Duterte said as city mayor, he will fulfill his pledge to help the
police and the military who are charged in court.

"I can do no less.  I must help them.  As long as it is in the
fulfillment of duty or connected to their duty, I will be there for
you. We all fall together," he said. 
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