Pubdate: Sun, 21 Aug 2005
Source: Sun.Star Baguio (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005, Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bag/2005/02/27/index.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1942
Author: Ben O. Tesiorna

MAYOR SAYS TERRORISTS ARE LEGITIMATE TARGETS FOR LIQUIDATION

Terrorists planning to attack the city are "legitimate targets" for
summary executions, said Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte when asked
about the security threat during the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (Asean) Tourism Forum (ATF) January next year.

Asked if the city's strong campaign against illegal drugs and other
criminalities would take a backseat when Davao becomes host to more
than 3,000 international travel buyers expected to flock early next
year, Duterte said his campaign would definitely not wane just because
of the ATF.

Duterte said he would even add terrorists in their list of targets and
not just drug dealers and other criminals.

"I consider them (terrorists) as legitimate targets for extra-judicial
assassination," Duterte said without batting an eyelash.

Duterte has been blamed, time and again, as responsible for the series
of summary executions against suspected illegal drug dealers. The
mayor, however, denied such accusation.

Davao City will host the ATF next year with thousands of foreign
diplomats and tourism, players attending the event. Duterte admitted
that his main concern in hosting the event is the terrorism threat.

He assured though that they would do their best to protect and secure
all visitors in the city anytime and all the time.
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