BIG HAUL. Authorities seize PHP3.4-billion worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation that resulted in the death of four Chinese nationals in a resort in Candelaria, Zambales on Tuesday (Sept. 7, 2021). Members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Bureau of Customs recovered some 500 kilograms of shabu, so far the biggest drug haul this year. (Photo courtesy of PRO-3)
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has defended the anti-drug operatives who conducted a buy-bust operation in Zambales that resulted in the death of four Chinese nationals.
In a pre-recorded Talk to the People delivered Tuesday night but aired Wednesday morning, Duterte said law enforcement authorities had no choice but to kill the armed Chinese nationals who were allegedly members of a drug syndicate.
“May namatay ho. Hindi man natin gustong mangyari ito pero medyo armado kasi at sinasabi ko naman sa inyo na itong lahat itong mga big-time talaga may armas (There were people killed. We do not want this to happen but they were armed and I am telling you, big-time [drug offenders] possess firearms),” he said.
Duterte was referring to the joint buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Bureau of Customs in Libertador village in Candelaria town on Tuesday morning.
Chinese drug personalities Gao Manshu, Hong Jianshe, and Eddie Tan who are all from Fujian, China, as well as Xu Youha from Quezon City, were killed during the operation.
READ: 4 Chinese killed, P3.4-B shabu seized in Zambales buy-bust
A total of 500 kg. of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP3.4 billion were recovered from the four.
The anti-drug operation was a result of long surveillance on Xu, tagged as among the key players of illegal drug activities in the country.
The seized 500 kg. of shabu are believed to be for distribution in various parts of Luzon.
Duterte felt “sorry” for the killing of the four Chinese nationals, but emphasized that the anti-narcotics operatives merely fulfilled their job.
“So, I’m sorry, I’m sorry for the loss of lives. Hindi man natin ginusto ‘yan (We don’t want that). But I just hope that the countries from where these guys come from should understand that we have laws to follow,” he said.
He also sought the understanding of other countries whose citizens have been killed in the Philippines because of involvement in illegal drugs.
“Hindi man natin gustong makipag-away o kaya nga saktan ‘yung mga citizens ng iba-ibang bayan na kababayan natin pero (We do not want to pick a fight with or hurt the citizens of other countries or our citizens but) we have to do this because we have to protect our country. Simple as that,” Duterte said.
He likewise assured other nations that he would not meddle if they arrest overseas Filipinos with drug links, saying he would not attempt to defend Filipinos who chose to be “forever slaves” of illegal drugs.
“Kayong mga Pilipino, sabihin ko sa inyo, ‘pag nasabit kayo sa droga sa labas, hindi ako makialam, hindi talaga (To Filipinos, I am telling you, if you get involved in illegal drugs outside the country, I will not interfere, I will really not do that),” Duterte said.
The President then commended the anti-drug operatives for the seizure of PHP3.4 billion worth of shabu, which is so far the biggest drug haul this year.
He also lauded the conduct of an anti-drug operation in Bataan on Tuesday that led to the confiscation of 80 kg. of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP544 million.
“So at this early, I would like to extend my highest commendation and my heartfelt gratitude for protecting the country against the destruction of drugs,” Duterte said. “To them, I give you my snappy salute and congratulations. Of course, I will recognize your effort officially.” (PNA)
