Duterte to Filipinos amid COVID-19 measures: Go with police if arrested

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday night told Filipinos to go with the police when they are arrested in connection with the government's implementation of measures to prevent the spread the COVID-19 in the country.

"Pag-inaresto ka ng pulis, sumama ka. Dalhin ka sa istasyon for blotter and investigation," Duterte said in a late night address to the country.

"Ang batas nagsabi kung ito mag resist kailangan ang pulis must overcome," he added.

Duterte reiterated his remarks that the authorities may shoot, even kill, if their lives are placed in danger while trying to make the arrest.

"If you think you're life is in danger, maging biyuda ang asawa mo na maganda, mag asawa ulit at ang mga anak mo mawalan ng tatay, pag tinignan mo na delikado ang buhay mo, unahan mo na patayin mo," Duterte said, addressing the police.

'Responsibility to submit'

According to the president, it is an individual's "responsibility is to submit to the police" when arrested.

"Ngayon, kung mag suntukan kayo diyan tapos nabunggo yung ulo mo sa semento, namatay ka, walang kasalanan ang police. In-aaresto ka eh," he said.

Duterte said the person under arrest could present his or her case at the police station.

"Pag-dating doon sa istasyon, sabihin mo sa pulis na wala akong kasalanan, wala akong alam diyan. Then, if the police will find your excuse or your reason valid, they will have to release you," Duterte said.

The president said the national government's objective was to prevent the spread of the virus.

"It's not because gusto namin na protektahan ka. Ang amin, 'wag, you contaminate, ma-hawa mo 'yung kapwa mo tao. Kung ikaw gusto mo mamatay, wala naman pumipigil sayo," Duterte said. -NB, GMA News