Duterte wants to deploy gov't forces in concert venues

DAVAO CITY – Incoming president Rodrigo Duterte said he may send government personnel in concert venues once he assumes office amid reports linking some of the deaths in the “Forever Summer” concert to drug overdose.

 

Duterte said illegal drugs are being passed around like candies during concerts.

 

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"We cannot prohibit people to assemble at a certain place, crowd together, but we can always regulate…Frisking is not allowed before they enter the area. That's too fascistic. We'll scatter government security to smell around and arrest immediately," he said.

 

Duterte was asked to react to the death of five people during the “Forever Summer” concert held last May 21 in Pasay and organized by toothpaste brand Close Up.

 

Authorities said there are indications that at least two of the fatalities died of a drug overdose.

 

Duterte said the local police and other agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency should work together to prevent similar incidents in the future.

 

“I’m said that it (concert) had to end that way,” he said.