Public Domain image - Outgoing Senator Juan Ponce Enrile said Duterte’s citizen’s arrest order is legal
- Likewise, Enrile does not see anything wrong with Duterte offering rewards for the arrest of drug lords
- Senators Ping Lacson and Tito Sotto expressed concerns on the repercussions of Duterte’s anti-crime drive
Outgoing Senator Juan Ponce Enrile defended incoming President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement encouraging ordinary citizens to arrest drug lords and kill them if the situation calls for it. He said it has a legal basis.
Manila Bulletin‘s Mario Casuyuran wrote in his article dated June 7, 2016 that the nonagenarian senator said the law allows citizens to arrest those in the illegal drugs trade if they are caught in the act of committing a crime. He also did not see anything wrong with the bounty offered by Duterte because government usually places reward money for the arrest of those wanted by the law.
In his speech during the Thanksgiving Party for his election victory in Davao City last week, Duterte said: “Please feel free to call us, the police, or do it yourself if you have the gun — you have my support. You can kill him. Shoot him and I’ll give you a medal.”
The soon-to-be president Davao City mayor also said he will pay P5 million for every drug lord killed, P2 million for a dead drug distributor and P50,000 for killing a small time drug peddler.
A number of personalities expressed their concern and worry over Duterte’s statements; saying his anti-crime drive might lead to widespread rights violations.
Senators Ping Lacson and Tito Sotto were among those who worried about the repercussions of Duterte’s pronouncements.
Senator Lacson said: “I believe that it is not right for an incoming President of the country to encourage the public to take it upon themselves to arrest and kill suspected drug lords because law enforcement authorities might lose control of the situation,” while Senator Sotto warned citizens who would try arresting drug traffickers. He said: “I would advise citizens to be very careful. These drug dealers are armed.”
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