As mayor, I will double drug war kills – Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Facing possible prosecution for thousands of deaths and notwithstanding his advanced age, former president Rodrigo Duterte said he is ready to double his drug war kills if he is elected Davao City mayor again in 2025.

“The moment I return as mayor (of Davao), I will just double it (death statistics),” he told officials and members of the House of Representatives’ quad committee on Wednesday at the hearing on his brutal drug war that claimed the lives of more than 7,000 people based on official figures. Critics say the figure is closer  to more than 20,000.

The International Criminal Court is investigating Duterte and some of his former officials for possible crimes against humanity in the conduct of his war on drugs.

“I will admit that I ordered them (policemen) to go after drug manufacturers, including big-time drug distributors. I would let them all be killed,” Duterte said.

When asked by Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez, chairman of the House committee on public order and safety, if he was “disappointed” with the way statistics went downhill, a smiling and remorseless Duterte replied he would make sure that figures get back on track.

“If ever I will again have the chance to become president, then I will surely make up for it. They (drug lords) heard me: Don’t destroy my country. I will have you all killed,” the 79-year-old former chief executive blurted out.

Duterte, who filed his certificate of candidacy last October, is pitted against lawyer Karlo Nograles, whom he appointed initially as secretary to the Cabinet and later Civil Service Commission chief. He is a son of former political arch rival, the late House speaker Prospero Nograles Jr.

The late Nograles and Duterte – both lawyers – were arch enemies before the latter ran and won in the May 2016 polls. Nograles expressed support for the veteran Davao City mayor when he ran for higher office, ostensibly in order for the country to have a Mindanaoan president.

Karlo’s sister, Margarita Ignacia or “Migs,” is also challenging the reelection move of another Duterte’s son, incumbent Rep. Paolo (Pulong) of Davao’s first district.

Migs and Pulong volunteered to undergo drug tests late last month to show voters and constituents they were very much qualified to hold public office as representatives of the city’s first district.

Migs is a first-term administration lawmaker who is also among the leaders in the so-called Young Guns club, where she represents the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta party-list.

Like her elder brother, she is also a lawyer by profession.

Pulong used to be among the House’s deputy speakers when his father was president.