ZAMBOANGA CITY – President Rodrigo R. Duterte vowed on Thursday to give priority to the welfare of the military and police personnel as he urged them to intensify the government’s offensive against criminality and urban terrorism.
In his speech before soldiers of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), the President said, “In our talks during the command conference, I was informed there is a need for more soldiers.” Citing the need for more law enforcers to put an end to criminality in the country, he added he would need about 3,000 policemen to meet the challenges of urban terrorism.
PRRD has remained firm on his stance in fighting against illegal drugs, terrorism, violence, and criminality in the nation. He exhorted the police and military that they should not be scared in discharging their duties for the country.
The President stressed it embarrasses the country when soldiers and policemen cannot stop criminality and terrorism with foreigners and locals being killed or executed.
“But in the long term, you know we have a problem. As a nation, it has started many, many years ago, para tayo’ng sinasampal na (it’s like we’re being slapped that) every time there is a foreigner executed or a local killed, and with the dimensions such as yung nakikita kasi may pelikula, ‘yung mapapahiya (those that have filmed footage, it’s quite embarrassing),” he said.
PRRD added that he will go ahead with the salary increases on a staggered basis of the police and the military, and that would include the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The President also revealed plans to develop the V. Luna General Hospital in Quezon City into one of the best medical centers in the country, and to give the soldiers, policemen, and their families the best medical care. (PND)