MANILA (UPDATED) - President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday met with one of the three alleged leaders of drug trafficking operations in the country.
In a video released by RTVM on Saturday, Duterte was seen talking with Cebuano-Chinese businessman Peter Lim at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 11 office in Davao City.
Duterte earlier identified Lim as the Visayan member of the drug triad in the Philippines.
The two other alleged drug bigwigs the President identified were Peter Co and Herbert Colangco, who are both behind bars in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).
"I will advise you strongly na mag-submit ka sa investigation," Duterte told Lim, who denied any links to the illegal drug trade.
Duterte urged Lim to go to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to clear his name and talk with Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre III.
"We want to help you. Help us clear you," the President said. "We're not here to pin down innocent citizens."
Lim lamented that his family has been receiving threats following the news of his alleged involvement in drug operations.
He said he is willing to help the government in its war against drugs.
"I could clear up everything because my family is really in deep problem now in Cebu... In any way, I will help, in all my ways I can," said Lim.
But Duterte, who earlier threatened Lim that "he will die," stressed that his administration will continue with its bloody fight against drugs, saying these destroy the country.
"Talagang galit ako," he said. "The law and order cannot wait."
"I'm with you all the way, Mr. President," Lim said in response.
Duterte, meanwhile, also took the time to warn corrupt officials in the police and military force.
Duterte earlier identified five police officials as alleged protectors of drug lords and syndicates, one of whom was retired Deputy Director-General Marcelo Garbo, an alleged coddler of Lim.
"You make a choice. Resign and do not wait for me. Nakikiusap ako sa inyo," he said.
"Yung mga mga pulis pati military, alam ko maliit ang sweldo ninyo. Kung may mga ganung sakit -- God forbid, asawa mo may cancer -- huwag ka magbenta ng shabu, pumunta ka sa akin... I will look for the money."
Source: ABS-CBN
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