No threats: ‘Duterte sought governors’ help in drugs war’

DUTERTE

MANILA — Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Antonio Cerilles described President Duterte’s speech during the meeting with the governors, on Thursday, as more of an appeal than a threat about the ongoing war on drugs.

“At least may pagbabago. In previous speeches, nananakot siya,” Cerilles told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone.

Duterte met with governors and some other officials to air his appeal for help and support in his campaign against illegal drugs.

Cerilles said the President also urged “everyone to see the list” of government people allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade.

“I left immediately after his talk. I didn’t see the list. What is important is that we have been at war against drugs for a long time,” he said.

Aside from the governors, Cerilles said chairpersons and consultants of the Regional Peace and Order Councils were also in the meeting held at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañang Palace.

Governors started arriving at the palace shortly before noontime for their registration.

Rene Burdeos, director of the Department of Interior and Local Government in Central Visayas (DILG-7), said that Governors Hilario Davide III (Cebu), Edgar Chato (Bohol) and Zaldy Villa (Siquijor) attended the meeting.

Days before the meeting with governors, Duterte met with mayors, some of whom said he had made them very uncomfortable with his angry, threatening stance.

Governor Mujiv Hataman said President Duterte asked them to help government in its campaign against illegal drugs.

North Cotabato Acting Governor Shirlyn Macasarte-Villanueva, who attended the meeting, said Duterte was in a light mood when he faced them on Thursday afternoon.

“He is in the mood, nothing of the expletives like the usual PI against the governors,” Villanueva said.