Some 100 policemen faced the wrath of President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang on Tuesday, being branded as “salot ng lipunan.”
During the presentation of the erring policemen, Duterte warned that if they do not get their act together, they would rot in jail or get killed.
“Wala kayong silbi para sa akin. Salot kayo sa lipunan. Wina-warningan ko kayo,” Duterte said.
“Kayong may kaso, huwag na kayong mag-bail. Huwag ninyo akong sisihin. Huwag na kayong magpiyansa, magtiis kayo diyan sa loob. Mas safe ang Pilipinas kung nasa loob kayo. O kung hindi, patay kayo,” he added.
The policemen have been accused of involvement in criminal activities such as kidnapping, possession of illegal drugs, rape, robbery and extortion. Others were in for grave misconduct, neglect of duty, absence without leave and irregularity in their performance.
Duterte said that such policemen tarnish the reputation of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Bakit kayo pumasok sa police? Anong nakain ninyo? Itong police, para lang ito sa mga taong may pagmamahal sa bayan at gustong makapag-silbi sa kapwa-tao nila,” he said.
“Hindi lang ninyo sinisira ‘yung police, it’s a government institution, an organ of the government important to maintain law and order,” he added.
The President said that he already created a special task unit to review the cases of the cops especially those who are allegedly tied to drug syndicates and corruption.
Of the 102 cops, 87 belong to the National Capital Region Police Office, seven come from Region 3 or Central Luzon and another eight from Region 4A or CALABARZON.
