DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte asked the graduates of the Motorcycle Riding Course for police and other personnel to be prepared to tackle terrorism and the government’s campaign against illegal drugs in its graduation rites which he attended.
In his message during the event held in Matina Aplaya here on Friday, Dec. 2, the President warned that terrorism would become the country’s concern in the next two to three years and everyone should prepare for.
He reported that his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs is gaining positive results and he is leaving it to the police and anti-narcotics personnel to continue doing the job.
“Then I’d like to warn you in the coming days. We will be facing a serious problem, aside from drugs. Okay na ‘yung drugs. Hayaan mo na lang ‘yung mga operating unit,” Duterte said.
The President said he will issue a statement about it when he goes back to Manila and after conferring with other officials.”Yan ang danger nakikita namin, maybe the next two, three years. Bantay kayo. Kalaban mo diyan… ‘Yan ang pinaka-delikado,” he said.
He also mentioned the ongoing peace talks with different rebels groups reiterating his position that peace negotiations for him is the best track to solve the country’s problems on insurgency and separatism.
Rebellion in the Philippines has been ongoing for many decades and talking peace with the communists and Muslim secessionists would be the best option, according to the President.
At the same time, the President cleared Special Assistant to the President Bong Go amid accusations that the Palace official called Philippine National Police Chief Director Gen. Ronald Dela Rosa to reinstate Superintendent Marvin Marcos as head of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Eastern Visayas. Dela Rosa relieved Marcos of his duty for the killing of Albuera, Leyte mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr.
“Huwag kayong maniwala na si Bong ang tumawag ‘yung para kay ano… Doon ko nalaman, I’d like to make it public. Kaya ko sabi ko, as it is kayo diyan. Doon ko nalaman si (Asher) Dolina malinis. Si Marcos may tama… Huwag mong galawin kasi gusto kong tingnan,” the President said. Dolina is the former Eastern Visayas Regional Police chief.
The accusation also has bad effect as it impacts on the morale of the police force. “So ganon, pati second is, mag-low morale ‘yung tao. ‘Yung ibang pulis hindi man nila nalaman na we’re doing the investigative work, tapos hindi mo ma-announce, so you do that, it will create a ripple in the entire country,” he added.
In talking to the graduates of the motorcycling course, the President offered some tips highlighting road safety.
He also expressed his frustrations of not being able to ride a motorcycle due to security concerns and worries of his family.”Wala ata worries of family ma’am. Nawalan ako ng gana kasi paglabas ko diyan sa… may security sunod-sunod. So I have lost my privacy,” the President said.
An avid motorcycle rider himself, he told the members of the HPG about the dangers of riding a motorcycle which he said needs concentration and skills training.
Motorcyclists, he said, should never ride a motorcycle when they consumed alcohol and not wearing a helmet to ensure their safety.He assured them that his government will give what they need such as replacing old motorcycles in their inventory.
The President reiterated to the graduates that there will be no corruption and abuses in government and the police will always enjoy his support.###PND
