MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Friday stressed that the shoot-to-kill order of President Rodrigo Duterte against “narco-politicians” is in line with his policy in maintaining peace and order in the country.
“He has given due and ample notice that the clear and present danger of drugs engulfing the nation will be addressed and law enforcers will neutralize those who resist or endanger the lives of arresting officers,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.
The president earlier demanded Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. and his son Kerwin to surrender on the grounds of drug trafficking and coddling.
READ: 6 killed in raid on Espinosa house
A shoot-on-sight order was supposed to be issued if they resist and endanger the lives of arresting police officers.
The president is yet to release a list of 27 mayors allegedly protecting the illegal drug trade.
Two mayors, allegedly involved in illegal drug trade, reportedly wept before Duterte and pleaded with him to spare their lives.
Duterte, however, refused to accept the resignation of the two mayors pending further investigation.
“Sabi ko, I will revalidate… kung nakalagay protector lang, what kind of protector: there are two kinds – the one that protects by telling (lawmen) not to touch them, ‘those are my men’, or ‘don’t touch them, their (operations were cleared with me)’,” Duterte said.
Sen. Leila de Lima, a human rights lawyer, earlier this week said an order to shoot on sight is archaic and not according to law.
“Alam po ng pangulo kung anong naaayon sa batas. That’s all I can say. ‘Yung shoot to kill, para sa akin, kasi hindi na dapat ‘yan, ‘di na uso ‘yan,” she said. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
