MANILA, Philippines – Manila mayoral hopeful Amado Bagatsing backed yesterday presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte’s “iron fist” stand against illegal drugs.
“Imagine having President Duterte in Malacañang and your humble servant in the City Hall of Manila,” he said.
“We will be on the same page in dealing with and putting recidivist criminals behind bars.”
Bagatsing said he would entice businessmen to put up substantial reward money for informants whose tips would lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of drug lords.
“All of us should be part of the solution to the drug problem because it destroys the very fabric of society,” he said.
“As Mayor Duterte has said, he as president will redefine the meaning of the word ‘rough’ in hounding syndicates, especially drug lords,” he said.
“I fully support giving the fists to those who are beyond reformation, but I offer open arms to those who want to change for the better.”
Bagatsing said his peace and order agenda would focus on fighting the drug menace, especially with the proliferation of drug laboratories in Manila.
“An effective anti-crime program starts at the barangay level because everyone knows who in the barangay are pushing drugs, are drug dependents and/or into criminal activities,” he said.
Bagatsing said barangay leaders would play an important role in the fight against illegal drugs and criminality.
“Barangay leaders can also serve as force multipliers to augment our still limited number of policemen. They can provide actionable intelligence that will help the police effect the arrest of criminals,” he said.
Bagatsing said the city under his leadership would hire lawyers to protect policemen and barangay officials who are doing their job against harassment cases.