Despite the drug problem in the country, Duterte says he doesn’t want martial law.
On the 44th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by then President Ferdinand Marcos, President Rodrigo Duterte said he does not want the same.
This is despite the rampant problem on illegal drugs in the Philippines, Duterte said that he doesn’t want to declare martial law even in connection with his ongoing war.
In a speech on the 44th anniversary of Martial Law declaration, Duterte further revealed that the drug trade in the Philippines has already penetrated into the bureaucracy and it is difficult to phase it out.
Before the 9th Infantry Division in Camarines Sur, Duterte said, “Kasi ang droga, within government ang away ngayon… Paano ko makaya ito? Hindi naman ito madampot at patayin ko. Wala iyan eh. Ayaw ko naman mag-martial law.”
Duterte has been visiting troops of the Philippine Army thoughout the country where the president asked the help of the soldiers in his campaign against illegal drugs.
Duterte added that the drug menace had been all-encompassing with some barangay captains involved in the narcotics trade.
“This will destroy your children o iyong mga apo ninyo and the next generation… They are not safe anymore,” Duterte said.
To recall, Duterte revealed the names of the officials of the government, members of the Philippine National Police and judges who are allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade in the country.
Until now, there were still no formal charges filed against those who were in the list.
Duterte asked the Army troops to continue the fight against illegal drugs if it would outlast him.
“If that problem outlasts me for whatever reason–mamatay ako… Sinabi ko sa inyo sa official, do not abandon your country. Solbahin n’yo problema na iyan kasi sisirain mo Pilipinas,” the commander-in-chief said.
The Lower House of the Congress conducted series of hearings on the alleged proliferation of illegal drugs inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.