Rody on EJK: It’s unmanly

MANILA, Philippines – Faced with allegations that he ordered the execution of several drug suspects, President Duterte denied yesterday that the government endorses extrajudicial killings, which he described as a “dirty job” and “unmanly.”

Duterte, whose crackdown on narcotics has left thousands dead, said there have been killings even before the 2016 elections.

“With regard to drugs, forgive me but I really cannot lose momentum here. I will address the problem of extrajudicial killings. It’s not our job, believe me,” Duterte said during the Belenismo event in Tarlac yesterday.

“We do not do that. It’s a dirty job. Saka para kang di lalaki (besides, those who do that do not act like men). You wrap (the victim) in plastic, you tie him… It’s a form of torture,” he added.

Duterte said he understands his critics but maintained that he should be allowed to address the drug menace in the country.

“I’m getting a lot of flak, criticism and all. I can understand. I can understand the Church, I can understand the libertarians, I can understand the bleeding hearts. There are four million drug addicts. The sheer number we would have never known had I not won the presidency,” he said.

Dutetre also apologised to those who were affected by his brutal war on drugs but insisted that those who are into the narcotics trade should stop.

“This is a matter of survival for my country. I’m really very sorry to all. I’m not sorry for the decision but I’m sorry for those who were hit,” the president said.

“Simple lang ‘to. Huminto lang kayo sa droga, tapos na (This is simple. Stop drugs and it will be over).”

During his visit to Camp Aquino yesterday, Duterte also reminded troops to avoid torture and any act that would tarnish the image of the military.

“Do not do that. You will destroy the image of the Filipino soldier. We do it with honor always,” he said.

Duterte stressed that he is ready to defend soldiers and policemen who face legal problems related to their duty.  

“It’s me that will have to assume all responsibility. That is what I guarantee you, just work,” he said.

Duterte informed the soldiers that Filipinos are happy with their performance. He also promised to give them a gift for Christmas.

“This Christmas, I have a little something for you. It will reach your camps up to the level of the battalion. We have enough savings. There’s not enough for everybody but a little for everyone  in the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he added.

Meanwhile, three Filipino soldiers were killed and 17 others wounded in nearly two hours of fighting with about 150 Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Sulu, the military said yesterday.

 The militants withdrew after the fierce clash on Saturday in the mountains of Patikul town, and are being pursued by government forces, said regional military spokesman Maj. Filemon Tan. – With AP