Duterte’s fight vs narco-politics far from over—Palace

FILE: President Rodrigo Duterte presents a chart illustrating a drug trade network of high level drug syndicates in the Philippines during a press conference, July 7, 2016 (Photo by King Rodriguez – Presidential Communications Operation Office)

The President’s spokesperson said that President Rodrigo Duterte’s fight against narco-politics still needs more time for a victory.

“[In a] scale of 10, the President is only at six in his fight against narco-politics. He needs more time to win to reach the scale of 10,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, Jr. said in an interview with Rappler at Camarines Sur Polytechnic College.

“Their influence is even persuasive because of their money, that’s why we have to buckle up. The fight is far from over, and I would say that because we are on the advantage stage of the war, they will fight back using all the resources that they have,” Roque added.

Though the spokesperson is citing an extension, he added in the same interview that time is running.

“He’s  aiming to step down in 2022, that’s why we need to support the President at this point,” he said.

Back in August last year, Duterte labeled the Philippines as a narcotic country.

(Read: PH a ‘narco-state’, says Duterte)

“Now, magtanong kayo (ask), ang Pilipinas (the Philippines), are we or are we not a narcotic country? Yes, we are,” Duterte said in a speech addressed to policemen in Ozamiz City.

“Look what happens if drug is allowed to flourish in the place. There is narco-politics. May election ba dito na malinis? (Was there any clean election here?),” he added.

Duterte was referring to the cases of late Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog, Sr., who was killed in a series of raids by the police last year.

Also in August last year, he issued a shoot-to-kill order versus narco-politicians who resisted arrest.

“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,” then Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

Duterte gave the order after he visited a police chief who was in critical condition after sustaining two gunshot wounds in a drug operation.