“Expect a very strong military in two years,” he adds
(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte said he would strengthen the military in his term of office, as he blasted human rights advocates and other agencies for “one-sidedly” investigating government security forces who are only performing their duties.
“Expect a very strong military in two years,” Duterte, who spoke in a press conference after his second State of the Nation Address at the Batasan complex, said.
He said he would “buy everything they need,” and use money for “social amelioration” too for that.
According to him, there was a need for both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to “reconfigure,” given the attacks made by militants now and in the past like the one in Davao that have led to deaths.
“One-sided”
The President also blasted Commission on Human Rights head Chito Gascon for accusing the military fighting terrorists in Marawi of committing human rights abuses, adding he should be the one to lead them in the war-torn city and ensure that not one of them dies.
“Ang Pilipino mas marunong even if it is not realistic..,” he said.
“Sa military pag nagnakaw ka, you are ostracized. They will not do it because they do not want to be placed in shame. Saka training talaga nila iyan. Di pwede yang nakaw, nakaw,” he added.
He said as for policemen who commit abuses, he said he personally saw that they were sanctioned.
“Di ako magprotect kung magrape ka, magnakaw ka..Kung sa trabaho protektahan kita. There is nothing wrong. Trabaho iyan, in the performance of duty. Kung di ako marunong magprotect sa tao ko, di ako magiging commander in chief. Better to give it to someone else. Baka kaya ni (Leni) Robredo,” he said, referring to the vice president.
He said human rights advocates should first investigate the ambush of his Presidential Security Group convoy a few days ago.
At least one died and several others were injured in the attack by members of the New People’s Army in North Cotabato.
“Pag wala kayo report diyan, wag niyo ako guluhin diyan. Itapon ko sa mukha niyo iyan (charges against government security forces).Better do an equal job here..It doesn’t say your investigation will be focused solely on government men,” he said.
“Do not make it one-sided…Justice for all. If you have not yet investigated the deaths of my men, then do not f*** with us,” he added.
He said if the Ombudsman investigates the police and the military for acts that might have been committed in the performance of their duty, he would advise them on whether to attend or not.
“Do not (sing) yung paborito ninyong swan song that you will be investigated by this, that. Idaan niyo lahat sa akin. Pulis na paimbestigahan ninyo, address it to me, attention (Department of the Interior and Local Government),” he said.
