Is he doing it to really fight the drug trade or to give his party an edge for the elections?
The Philippines has vowed to give free guns to members of the public — so long as they promise to use them to fight drugs and crime.
President Rodrigo Duterte said he’s considering arming 42,000 community leaders, known as barangay captains, after consulting with the police and intelligence agency.
Martin Dino, the interior department undersecretary responsible for barangays, said handguns would be provided for free, or private purchases subsidized, but only for those not involved in illegal drugs.
Dino said: “The condition is that the barangay captain should fight drugs and crime. If he is conniving with criminals, he could be the one shot.”
Duterte has repeatedly said thousands of community officials were involved in the trade, without elaborating.
More @ Filipino President Duterte Wants To Hand Out 42,000 Free Guns To Public To Battle Drugs And Crime - Tea Party News
Philippines midterm elections boost Rodrigo Duterte's power
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's allies appear to have scored sweeping victories in the country's midterm elections. The results signal broad public backing for the leader's authoritarian style, say experts.
That should really frost a lot of “human rights advocates.”
More @ Philippines midterm elections boost Rodrigo Duterte's power | DW | 14.05.2019
