Duterte vows to not allow terrorism in May 9 polls

MANILA, Philippines, April 19 ------ President Rodrigo Duterte vowed on Monday to enforce the law and not allow terrorism during the May 9 elections, stressing that he chooses not to endorse any presidential candidate so that he could remain “neutral.” “We in the government who are left because we are not candidates and who are out of jobs two months from now, we have a duty — to keep order here in our country. There must be peace. There must be law and order,” Duterte said.

He urged political parties to follow the rule of law. “We will not allow disorder nor intimidation nor violence. We will remain neutral and we will see that the true will of the people will come out of the elections, ” he continued. He noted that the government would implement the rule that having two bodyguards would already be considered as having a private army and those who violate this would be arrested.

He urged those who would need more security to write to the Commission and Elections and seek protection from the police and military. “We are hoping and I am urging you to follow this law. Otherwise, you have an enemy. Let us start to behave. I will approach you and ask you why you cannot behave properly in these elections. I will arrest you and your bodyguards,” Duterte said.

He urged all political parties, and politicians themselves, to “honor the rules of electing our leaders.” “Remember, we in government will not allow terrorism in the elections. We are not taking the side of anyone. We are hoping that you will be considerate — not to us — but to honor the rules of electing our leaders. Give that to people,” he added.

Source: inquirer.net