ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — President Duterte wants all non-performing local government officials including barangay chairmen to resign for failing to address crimes in their jurisdictions.
Duterte issued the statement yesterday following the oath-taking of elected barangay chairpersons in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur.
He said some local government units seemed not to be enforcing the law against crimes.
Duterte urged barangay leaders to focus on the fight against drugs and illegal logging in their areas.
He said the inability of some local government units to enforce the law resulted in the loss of three to four policemen and four to five soldiers per day.
Duterte said he would arm barangay officials if they would work hard against drugs and terrorism.
He said barangay officials would not be jailed for killing while in the performance of duty.
Duterte ordered Interior Secretary Eduardo Año to evaluate local government units and determine which of them are working.