President Rodrigo Roa Duterte publicly revealed police generals allegedly involved in illegal drugs during the 69th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Clark, Pampanga.

The President named as protectors of the drug syndicates in the country – Director President named Director General Marcelo Garbo, Jr.; Police Director Bernardo Diaz; former National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Joel Pagdilao; Quezon City Police Director Edgardo Tinio and retired general Vicente Loot, who is now mayor of Daanbantayan town in Cebu.

Duterte ordered the suspension of those who are still active in the service from their respective assignments.

Garbo was deputy chief for administration prior to his retirement in March 2016 while Loot retired on July 12, 2015 and run for mayor of Daanbantayan, Cebu, where he won and was inaugurated in office.

The President said “At this time, I ordered them relieved from their assignments and report to the Director General. I would like to talk to them but certainly I would expect the Police Commission to do their thing. Imbestihagan ninyo ito at huwag ninyo akong bigyan ng zarzuela na ano. Hanapin ninyo ang totoo (Investigate on this. I do not want you to give me a farce report. Find out the truth).”

“It’s going to be a dirty fight, a bloody fight, I am not apologizing for it,” Duterte said, referring to the war against the illegal drugs trade.

Saying he was compelled by a sense of duty, Duterte underscored, “Hindi ako uurong dito and I will stake my honor, my life and even the presidency, kaya kong bitawan yan,” adding that “the drive against crime, drugs and criminality will continue.”

Duterte also vowed to protect law enforcement officers who are dedicated to their line of duty.

In the said occasion, President Duterte has ordered the inclusion of the fight against illegal drugs as part of the responsibilities of the different service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).