President Rodrigo Roa Duterte reiterates the huge problem of illegal drugs in the country is in his speech during the ‘Convergence of Nanay Volunteers as Community Drugwatch’ held at the Parade Grounds in Clarkfield, Angeles City, Pampanga on December 22, 2016. (MNS photo) DAVAO CITY, Dec 28 (Mabuhay) — President Duterte has categorically denied he ordered authorities to just shoot and kill drug suspects even as he dismissed criticisms that those who died outside of police operations were victims of extra-judicial killings. “Did I tell you to kill? I did not. I never said you should kill drug pushers,” Duterte said in a speech before village officials here on Tuesday. He said he told policemen to make sure they were not harmed by drug-crazed pushers. “If they put up a fight, then shoot them. But those being shot at the back, those wrapped in plastic, that’s not ours,” he said, referring to victims who had been summarily executed and were dumped in public places. He said in police operations, pushers were getting killed because they had put up a fight. “I have been telling you (authorities) don’t let them (drug suspects) outsmart you,” the President said in Visayan. It was not the first time that Duterte denied ordering authorities to just kill drug suspects, although he underscored the need for them to stay alive during anti-drug operations. He also pledged to stand by policemen or soldiers, who would face charges in line with the performance of Read More …