By Deighton Acuin and Archie Villaflores

PHOTO: Philippine Daily Inquirer

President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday he would “be happy” to be behind bars over his directive to kill communist rebels, adding he would not last long in jail due to his age.

During an anti-communist meeting in Tacloban City, Leyte, Duterte said he would not think twice to tell the public if he ordered such killings.

“Kung ako ang nagpapatay, sabihin ko sa inyo. ‘Pinapatay ko ‘yang p******** ‘yan kasi g*** ‘yan. Hindi ako magdadalawawang-isip,” Duterte said.

“Patayin human rights? Okay. Pasok ako sa kulungan? Good. I’d be happy, tutal matanda na rin ako. Hindi ako magtagal sa preso na ‘yan,” he added.

In the same event, the Chief Executive reiterated his order for uniformed personnel to kill armed rebels.

“Sabi ko sa military, patayin mo. Ayokong makita ang sundalo ko sa kabaong. Sila ang gusto kong makita na nakalantad d’yan na patay. ‘Yun ang gusto ko kasi ako ang presidente,” he said.

Earlier this month, following the issuance of the directive, nine activists in CALABARZON were killed in simultaneous police operations.


RELATED ARTICLE: Philippine Daily Inquirer