The country’s drug problem has become “big” and “scary” but President Duterte is not about to pin the blame on previous administrations for such dismal situation.

The President instead expressed his firm resolve to “save my country” from the drug menace with the government’s intensified efforts against drug dealers and their coddlers in government.

“I would not blame any particular administration for this problem that was allowed to flourish and it has now evolved into something that’s scary for all of us,” the President said during the send-off ceremony for the country’s Olympic team in Malacañang last Monday.

With the surrender of around 80,000 drug suspects, Duterte admitted the country’s drug problem has become “widespread” because “the government allowed it to be that big.”

“Bakit dumating naman (sa) ganito, dumating na ganitong karami at widespread, umabot ng thousands by thousands? Because the government or the people in government itself were into it also,” he said.

Duterte also said he cannot afford to be soft on the government’s war on illegal drugs, adding that nothing could stop him on this fight.

“I’m putting my life at stake, my honor, and even (my) losing the presidency,” he said.

“Hindi ako aatras dito not by the human rights, not by the religious, not by anybody, except my conscience and because I have to save my country,” he said.

Earlier, the President waged an all-out campaign against illegal drugs, warning he would kill those involved in the illicit trade. He has already identified top three drug lords in the country as well as five police generals allegedly involved in the drug operations.

He has also offered to pardon policemen and military personnel who may be charged of killing drug suspects while on duty.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Genalyn Kabilin

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