Duterte vows to protect cops, soldiers even after his term

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday assured the police and military of protection even after his term ends in June.

In his pre-recorded Talk to the People aired on Thursday morning, Duterte allayed fears among the uniformed personnel in case they face charges in connection with the performance of their duties.

“Itong pulis, itong military, ito ang guarantee ko sa inyo, makinig kayo: Kapag napasubo kayo, [kahit] hindi na ako presidente, but napasubo kayo doing your duty, sa trabaho lang, huwag kayong matakot,” he said.

(To the police and military, listen, this is my guarantee to you: If you find yourself in trouble and I am no longer the president, if you find yourself in trouble doing your duty, don’t be afraid.)

“Kung wala kayong makuhang abogado, ako ang pupunta sa korte para sa inyo. I will, maybe, I will not, trial is para yan sa bata [that is only for the young]  but I will be there to protect you,” he added.

He also vowed to help cops and soldiers if they lose their livelihood for being falsely accused of crimes while performing their duty.

In April, the United States government said it found reports on human rights abuses allegedly committed by Philippine security forces  "credible."

Duterte's war on drugs has been heavily criticized both locally and internationally for its death toll, which human rights groups said could be as high as 30,000.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is also investigating the government's bloody drug war.

In his televised public address, Duterte maintained that he has nothing to apologized for regarding his drug war.

"No apologies. Basta ang akin, tama yung ginawa ko [For me, what I did was right]," he said.

Meanwhile, at a press briefing in Malacañang, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said Duterte would continue his advocacy on good governance as well as his fight against corruption and illegal drugs even after his term.

“Knowing the President, and also based doon sa mga sinabi niya noong mga nakaraan, ay ipagpapatuloy niya niya ang kanyang advocacy for good government, para labanan ang korapsyon, at ipinagbabawal na droga,” he said.

(Knowing the President, and also based on his previous statements, he would continue his advocacy for good government, his fight against corruption, and illegal drugs.)  —KBK, GMA News