President Rodrigo Duterte once again reiterated the uncompromising stand of his administration in the fight against illegal drugs in the country.
The President led the ceremonial turnover of a rehabilitation facility in Peñaplata, Island Garden City of Samal on Friday afternoon, February 24.
The facility was donated by the 1st Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc..
In his message, the President hit some sectors who continued to criticize the current 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 continued to hurl criticisms against him and the anti-drug drive of the government.
President Duterte encouraged the members of the clergy to start their advocacies against illegal drugs in their respective communities.
“Go to the barangays and convince people who are into drugs to get away from 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 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 pioneers in Davao region need to work hard before earning their money and ordinary workers will need to exert all their efforts to earn something for their families – while those who are behind illegal drugs will only need to cook “shabu” and earn millions.
He also conveyed his gratitude to the FFCCCII for donating the facility to help those who wanted 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.
