Philippine president calls on civilians to shoot drug dealers

Duterte is infamous for his tough on crime approach.

The president-elect of the Philippines has suggested civilians take the law into their own hands against drug dealers, and promised to reward those who did.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has shocked millions by asking civilians to help combat drugs in the Philippines by killing drug dealers themselves. In a televised speech, Duterte said, "Please feel free to call us, the police, or do it yourself if you have the gun, you have my support."

He added, that anyone who resists arrest can also be killed, "Shoot him and I'll give you a medal."

Duterte, 71, has aroused suspicion that as mayor of Davao, he supported vigilante killings staged by motorcycle-riding death squads. These squads routinely rode through town, targeting and killing suspected drug dealers.

Duterte also warned that he would kill corrupt police officers. "If you're still into drugs, I will kill you, don't take this as a joke. I'm not trying to make you laugh, you son of a ----, I will really kill you."

In addition to his threats, Duterte has promised bounties on the heads of big-name drug lords in the country.

Duterte won election on May 9, and will soon begin a six-year term as the country's president. The Philippines is deeply troubled by poverty and inequality, which inspires people to turn to the drug trade to get ahead. Others look to terrorism for a means of escaping poverty. Both drugs and terror threaten the social fabric of the nation and have been a long-term source of problems for the government.

Duterte has taken a tough-on-crime stance which includes profanity and other inappropriate behavior, such as cat calling a journalist, and suggesting journalists should be killed if they are a "son of a ----."

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