Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
September 27, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte continued to remind the nation about his war against illegal drugs, encouraging the uniformed men and women of the Philippine Marine Corps to do what is right in the performance of their duties, most especially when their lives are at stake.

He made this statement following a visit in Arayat, Pampanga where authorities discovered a large factory of shabu that, according to him, is as large as a hangar and can produce illegal drugs of up to 200 kilos per day.

The President reiterated that the uniformed personnel should strictly do their jobs to contain and eventually stop illegal drugs that continue to contaminate the country. He admitted that up to now, he still feels worried in solving such a problem because of its enormity.

“There are about three million drug addicts and 92 percent of all barangays are already under the influence [of drugs]. So paano ito?” President Duterte said.

But he added, “I would like to ask for you this. Kung andyan iyong problema, it’s four million, at kung ganong klaseng factory ang pinaglalaruan tayo dito, you have to do something about it. Individually or collectively. Kapag sinabi na you go and operate, hunt for them, apprehend them, place them under arrest.”

Whatever the outcome, the Commander-in-Chief assured them that he would not allow the police and military to go to prison for doing their duty. He also advised them not to put the law into their hands because in the midst of the country’s war against illegal drugs, he still wants to show solidarity.

“I am not a war time President. Mind you. I am the President seeking peace for my country for my people,” he said.

Likewise, President Duterte asked them to remain faithful to the Republic and to give him time to fix the problems threatening the country, saying, “please understand. This Republic will rise, this Republic of the Philippines will continue to be great.”

During the event, the President shared a boodle fight style-dinner with the marines. He also received a memento called Ginunting, a bladed weapon commonly used by the marines in their trainings.

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