Duterte says no to military crackdown

DAVAO CITY — Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said yesterday he will strongly oppose any military crackdown here against suspected supporters of the Abu Sayyaf, similar to what is now going on in Basilan, Sulu and Zamboanga City.

"I will never ask for it here. And never will I allow it," he said.

Duterte said there is no need for such a crackdown in this southern metropolis where, he said, the peace and order situation is stable.

Instead of a crackdown, he said the military and the police should intensify their intelligence work and further beef up the security measures already in place.

Duterte ordered the setting up of checkpoints in strategic areas, especially in entry points to the city, to check on travelers illegally carrying firearms, ammunition and explosives.

"Besides, when you say crackdown, it automatically connotes something illegal and it could mean endless battles in the courts on human rights issues," he said.

The Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police have arrested over 150 suspects in the ongoing crackdown in Basilan, Sulu and Zamboanga City.

Charges of kidnapping for ransom and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition were filed against 54 of those arrested.

Duterte met yesterday with Senior Superintendent Eduardo Matillano, Southern Mindanao police director, and officers of the city police to discuss peace and order issues, including the curfew for minors.