Philippines leader: 'Kill idiots' who resist arrest

By Roy Ramos and Hader Glang

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday told police chief inspector Jovie Espenido he was "free to kill the idiots" who resist arrest after awarding him the Magalong Medal, of the Lapu-Lapu Order, in a National Heroes Day ceremony in the capital Manila.

Espenido is currently the police chief of the southern city of Ozamiz where he led anti-drug operations in July that led to the fatal shooting of the mayor as well as 14 other suspects, including his wife, and resulted in the jailing of the mayor’s daughter and her brother.

Additionally, also on watch as police chief of the Albuera municipality in Leyte province, the mayor was arrested for alleged drug links last November and was later killed in an alleged shootout inside a provincial jail.

The award given to Espenido is for his “extraordinary service to the success of an action pursuant to the president’s campaign” -- i.e. Duterte’s anti-drug war.

Duterte also assigned Espenido to the “drug bedrock” city of Iloilo in the central Philippines where the mayor is also included in his list of narco-politicians.

“Will he stay alive?” Duterte said in Filipino, referring to Mayor Jed Mabilog. The Philippines leader, however, reminded Espenido to “follow the rules of engagements” in Iloilo.

Several non-governmental organizations have expressed concern over the killings of suspects during anti-drug operations since Duterte assumed power in June 2016.

Duterte also awarded posthumous medals of honor, the country's highest award for combat bravery, to 129 slain soldiers who died in the battle against Maute terrorists in the southern city of Marawi according to media reports in Manila.

Militants from the Maute group seized Marawi City on the southern island of Mindanao on May 23 which prompted Duterte to impose martial law in the region which will remain in place until the year's end.