By Alexander Lopez
Philippine News Agency
ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL, Davao del Norte, Feb. 24 (PNA) -– President Rodrigo Duterte has reiterated the uncompromising stand of his administration in the fight against illegal drugs in the country.
The President was here Friday afternoon to accept the turnover of a rehabilitation facility in Sitio Maag, Peñaplata, donated by the First Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).
In his message, he hit some sectors who continue to criticize his administration’s fight against illegal drugs, saying that most of them do not understand how the problem has deeply affected the country and the Filipino people.
He particularly mentioned the Catholic Church and the members of the clergy who continue to hurl criticisms against him and the anti-drug drive of the government.
President Duterte encouraged the members of the clergy to start their advocacy against illegal drugs in their respective communities.
“Go to the barangays and convince people who are into drugs to go away with it,” the President said.
He also reiterated his previous stand of taking full responsibility over the outcomes of the fight against illegal drugs.
“I am not denying any responsibility if there is any,” the President said, emphasizing that he assumes responsibility over the actions of the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and even the military who faithfully perform their tasks and duties to fight the drug menace in the country.
He said his administration will continue to defend communities against illegal drugs and the people who are behind it.
“I took my oath to protect the Filipino people. That’s my job,” he pointed out.
The President also expressed sadness over the fact that some locals in Davao region need to work doubly hard before earning money for their families, while those who are behind the proliferation of illegal drugs only cook “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) and earn millions.
He conveyed his gratitude to the FFCCCII for donating the drug rehabilitation facility to help those who want to recover from drug addiction.
The facility is the first among the 15 buildings committed by FFCCCII to be completed in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. (PNA)
