PDU30 meets LGU execs

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte speaking before local government officials from Visayas and Mindanao in a gathering  in Cebu City  on their mandate toward good governance and to quell criminalities, violence, and illegal activities.

CEBU CITY --- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte met with officials of local government units throughout Visayas and Mindanao last February 12 to warn them not to be involved in any form of corruption in the government and not to engage in illegal drug trade.

He also informed them about the looming problem of terrorism in the country, citing threat of “regrouping” terrorist networks.

Duterte gave a strong message against corruption in government and said it should serve as a reminder to all public servants, stressing the accountability of public office.

In past interviews, the President was serious in his warnings against corruption as he always upends the accountability of public officials.

Duterte emphasized once more the consequences the local government officials would suffer when caught involvement in illegal drug trade.

“This is a reminder. I ask the LGU officials to ensure the visibility of police force and that they are not into any illegal activity,” Duterte said.

In addition, Duterte revealed that he has an updated list of government officials and other personalities allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade but did not disclose the entire list.

The President’s fight to rid the country of illegal drugs and criminality resonated among a population frustrated by the deteriorating peace and order situation in the country.

For one thing, Duterte’s war on drugs has also caught the attention of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has taken an initial review of a communication filed by a Filipino lawyer sometime last year.

Mandate

One more reason Duterte called the local officials was to remind them of their mandate to the people.

“Deliver true public service and stick with your mandate,” he emphasized.

On the other hand, Duterte has committed assistance to all local government officials from Visayas and Mindanao regardless of party affiliation,  assuring that every local government unit would be getting a fair share under his term.

“Just tell me if there’s anything I can do for you, personally, or if you want my intervention in your governance,” he said.

Moreover, the President stressed that his priority is to fulfil his campaign promises to the people such as eliminating corruption and illegal drugs, maintaining peace and order, and achieving lasting peace in Mindanao.

He also warned local leaders about the looming problem of terrorism in the country.

“The reason why I called you is for you to know that there is a brewing trouble because of the regrouping of some terrorist cells,” he said.

Duterte stressed that terrorists “are spreading all throughout the country” and the national government with the help of the local chief executives must address the problem.

Response

Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangungudatu, as a response, assured the President that they will closely monitor localities in the province to prevent the “terrorists” to prosper with their illegal activities.

“I call on the cooperation of everyone to be vigilant. Let us help one another to maintain peace and order in our land,” Governor Mangudadatu said.

Sultan Kudarat Governor Sultan Pax S. Mangudadatu also affirmed his support to eradicate the movement of terrorist groups in the area.

“Rest assured that the whole province of Sultan Kudarat cooperates with our local authorities all the time. This is our way of safeguarding our communities,” he said. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA-MINDANAO EXPOSE’)