The Mexican scenario DRUG, CRIMINAL SYNDICATES SEEN TO OPPOSE DUTERTE PRESIDENCY

By Manny Pinol

In spite of the popular clamor for him to run for President, Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte could face tough opposition not from other politicians but from well-entrenched drug and criminal syndicates operating with near impunity in the country.

Last night, as I was watching an expose on Philippine television on how convicted drug lords continued their operations even when they are inside the national penitentiary, I suddenly realized the threat that they could pose to free and fair elections in the country.

The drug lords have succeeded in bribing prison officials and even have several top ranked police officers in their payroll.

Just like in Mexico, where drug cartels are virtually running the government in several states, Philippine drug and criminal syndicates could grow into the same monster which terrorizes Mexicans today.

The latest report on drug cartels’ violent activities in Mexico said over 40 students have disappeared and were believed to have been killed by policemen and members of drug syndicates for protesting against the drug cartels.

This same grim scenario could happen in the Philippines.

Backed up by vast financial resources generated through years of operations in the country, drug and criminal syndicates could work against a political leader who will work against their interests.

These criminal groups know how Duterte deals with drug dealers and kidnap for ransom groups caught in Davao City.

Duterte once publicly vowed that drug dealers and criminals operating in the city could either end up in jail or in the funeral parlors and he made good his threat on several occasions.

A Duterte presidency could mean a lot of trouble for drug and criminal syndicates and I believe that they will do everything to stop him from implementing his style of anti-drugs and anti-crime campaign in Davao City all throughout the country.

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