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Duterte: No cops will go to prison for drug operations

June 28, 2017 | 9:20am

Duterte: No cops will go to prison for drug operations

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures while addressing Filipino Muslim leaders during a reception at the Presidential Palace to celebrate the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan known as Eid al-Fitr in Manila, Philippines Tuesday, June 27, 2017. Duterte promised to rebuild Marawi city as the siege by Muslim militants continues for over a month now. AP/Bullit Marquez

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday assured police and military personnel facing charges in connection to drug operations that they will not go to jail, days after the Department of Justice downgraded the cases against several police officers for killing a detained mayor.

Speaking at the anniversary of the Presidential Security Group, Duterte said he had repeatedly warned drug peddlers and drug lords that he would kill them if they continue to destroy the Philippines and its youth.

He said that at the start of his presidency he had already noticed that the amount of illegal drugs produced was not for consumption but for funding, although he did not specify the activities being funded nor the actions he had taken upon learning about the information.

Duterte said he would risk his presidency, a statement he often repeats, to destroy the local drug industry which he claimed in the past was being used to fund terrorism in Mindanao.

He also declared that no police nor military officer involved in drug operations would go to prison under his watch.

“I will not allow any soldier or policeman to go to prison for destroying the drug industry in the country,” Duterte said.

The president also assured those currently in jail that they would walk out of prison “free men.”

“And for those who are facing charges, they can be very sure that they can walk out free men. Wala nang problem, basta diyan,” the chief executive said.

On May 29, the DOJ released a ruling downgrading the complaint against 19 respondents, led by CIDG Region 8 chief Supt. Marvin Marcos, from murder to homicide. The amendment in the complaint mean that Marcos and the other policemen allegedly involved could be released temporarily after posting bail.

Marcos and the other policemen are accused of killing former Albuerta, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa and inmate Raul Yap last year while they were in detention in Leyte. Espinosa was in government custody for charges related to drugs and to illegal firearms.

Because of the decision, the DOJ faced a hail of criticism especially from senators, one of whom described the decision as a “big blow to the justice system.”

"The abrupt downgrading of the case against Superintendent Marvin Marcos and his cohorts from murder to homicide is a big blow to the justice system in the country," Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said. "This is a very disappointing development insofar as the ability of the government to prevent and prosecute police abuses and irregularities is concerned."

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II stood by his department’s decision, even claiming that he was simply “goaded” by some senators into agreeing with the observation that what happened to Espinosa was a premeditated killing.

Aguirre also admitted that went to a Senate panel hearing without thoroughly studying the issue.

“Actually, when I appeared before the Senate then, I had not studied this very deeply. As a matter of fact, if you review the transcript of stenographic notes you will notice that I was being goaded by some senators to agree with them. But at that time, there was yet not affidavit submitted in defense of the respondents,” he said.

Duterte was his usual self again at the PSG anniversary celebration, rehashing his usual curse-laden refrain against drug lords and peddlers.

“Sabi ko noon nung mayor ako huwag mong sirain ang bayan ko kasi papatayin kita. When I became president I said huwag mong sirain ang Pilipinas o ang mga anak namin. P***** i** ninyo papatayin ko na lang kayo. Magprangkahan na lang tayo. At gagawin ko talaga yan. Yung ayaw talaga huminto talagang hihiritan ko kayo,” Duterte said.