By Genalyn Kabiling

The country has become a “little bit peaceful” given the decrease in crime rate and drug problem, President Duterte declared last Wednesday night.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the 80th anniversary of the Department of National Defense at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on November 20, 2019. (ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

But if some people still don’t like the country’s situation, they should “go out of the country and go somewhere else,” according to the President.

“At least, there has been a 49 percent drop of criminal cases in the country today. The drug problem is just about very low. …so if you like it here, it’s a little bit peaceful. There is no such thing as a south side,” Duterte said during the 80th anniversary celebration of Department of National Defense in Quezon City.

Amid the government’s relentless campaign against illegal drugs and criminality, Duterte assured the public, including foreign visitors, about the safer streets in Manila, compared to other places abroad.

He admitted though there could be a “bad day” related to drug-related offenses.

“From the diplomatic corps, you have been to Washington. Can you really go out at night? In LA? Is it really safe if you are in a downtown hotel to go out and see the place?” he asked the ambassadors present at the DND gathering.

“If you are in Manila, here, you can walk. I assure you. I assure you that you can walk around, nobody will hurt you. If ever it’s going to be a bad day, and it has to be somebody connected with shabu,” he said.

Duterte also claimed that there were “no more kidnappings and all,” citing his threat to finish off these lawless elements.

“I remember every November 1. It’s their day of remembrance. All the kidnappers, I warned them. (Those) who did not obey, join the charade every November 1 because everybody is there. They eat beside your grave, they talk about your goodness, and they never mentioned what you did to your fellowmen,” he said.

In the same speech, Duterte renewed his resolve to kill those who will destroy the country despite drawing criticisms from human rights groups. He maintained that he was ready to face any lawsuit and land in jail for the consequences of his action.

“If that responsibility would bring me to the criminal bar, I’m willing to go to prison…Do not destroy my country because I will really kill you,” he said.

“I have to preserve the Filipino. You do something crazy, then you get something from the President and all others who never believed me. We have our own advocacies in life,” he added.