Philippine top police, military officers assume post

Philippine top police and military officials formally assumed office on Friday, a day after new Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte assumed his post.

Duterte, at respective ceremonies at the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Quezon City, Metro Manila, made his marching orders to Police Chief Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa and Lieutenant General Ricardo Visaya.

"So beginning from now, I will not tolerate, have zero tolerance, for abuses committed by the law enforcement agencies including the National Bureau of Investigation," he told the policemen.

He reiterated his strong stance against criminals and drugs syndicates.

"Do not taint yourselves in the company of known criminals and criminal syndicates. You will be sorry," Duterte added.

In his speech in the military headquarters, the president said the military would help in the fight against illegal drugs.

"The problem on illegal drugs is the worst. And I have to call in the Armed Forces of the Philippines to help," he said.

Duterte also said that it is his job to bring peace in the country by talking to rebel groups.

"My job is to talk to the enemies of the state, to the Communist Party of the Philippines, to the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), and to the men, and see if I could make a difference in our lives," he said.

But as to the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group, the president said, "I am not warning Abu Sayyaf but I said there will always be a time for reckoning." Endit