Duterte remarks on killings: It was the corrupt media personnel who sought it out

In a series of controversial statements, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has outlined his approach to combating crime in the Philippines.

During a press conference announcing his cabinet in his southern hometown of Davao, Duterte mentioned a bounty of P3 million for law enforcement officers who kill drug lords. He also extended this offer to lower-ranking individuals in drug syndicates, although the amounts were not specified.

The Philippines' newly elected president has been vocal about his anti-crime crusade, winning the recent elections with a landslide due to his law-and-order platform promising to end crime within 6 months. However, his approach has raised concerns among human rights groups and the international community.

Duterte has launched a series of post-election tirades against criminals, vowing to kill them, particularly drug traffickers, rapists, and murderers. This harsh rhetoric has been met with both support and criticism.

In the same press conference, Duterte also addressed the issue of media killings in the Philippines. He stated that journalists who take bribes or engage in corrupt activities also deserve to die. This comment comes amidst a climate of danger for journalists in the country, with 174 murders since democracy replaced the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos 3 decades ago. Last week, a reporter was shot dead in Manila, and Duterte was asked how he would address this problem.

Duterte referred to journalist and politician Jun Pala, who was murdered in Davao in 2003, and expressed that he deserved his death. The murder of Pala, a vocal critic of Duterte, has never been solved. There are no specific names of journalists in the Philippines identified as engaging in corrupt activities targeted by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte in the provided search results.

However, Duterte did qualify his statement, stating that an upright journalist would not face any harm. He also said that freedom of expression provisions in the constitution do not necessarily protect a person from violent repercussions for defamation.

Duterte's controversial statements have been a point of contention, with some arguing that they undermine the rule of law and the protection of human rights. Others argue that his tough stance on crime is necessary to address the country's high levels of violence and corruption.

Duterte will assume office on June 30. His presidency is expected to be marked by significant changes and debates over his approach to crime and human rights.

Duterte remarks on killings: It was the corrupt media personnel who sought it out