(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte visited Ozamiz City on Thursday, a day after the Ozamiz Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog, who was believed to be engaged in illegal drug activities, was buried.
In his speech before the policemen of the Misamis Provincial Police Office, Duterte reiterated his commitment to eradicate narcopolitics, which he said had taken its roots in Ozamiz with the Parojinogs.
“Ang mga tao na nakatikim ng patronage nila, iiyak iyak kayo. Sumunod kayo at kayo isusunod ko,” an angry Duterte said.
He also reiterated the P2-million bounty on policemen who were engaged in illegal drug activities, and called out policemen who he said were also involved in the killings of fellow policemen.
“Maganda ekonomiya niyo dito sa Ozamiz sa totoo lang, pero ang inyong ekonomiya, shabu ang supply,” he said.
He said that narcopolitics had not died with the deaths of the Parojinogs, but that he hoped to “get rid” of the drug problem before he leaves office.
Support for policemen
As for the policemen who performed their duties, he said they would have his support.
“If the police and the military get into trouble in connection with the performance of their duty, maasahan mo, di talaga ako papayag na makulong ka,” he said.
Duterte led the awarding ceremonies to seven outstanding policemen, who helped fight the illegal drug problem in their areas assignment.
The seven policemen included Chief Insp Jovie Espenido, who led the July raids that saw Parojinog, his wife, brother in law and other supporters killed.
The police said the mayor’s group had fired at them, prompting them to retaliate.