Cover image via CBC News
Philippine anti-narcotics officers gunned down Datu Saudi-Ampatuan mayor and nine of his men on Friday in one of the bloodiest operations since President Rodrigo Duterte launched his 'shoot-to-kill' on drug dealers
The mayor, [Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom] (https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer/20150325/281479274908609) of Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, has been publicly named by Duterte among many politicians he accused of involvement in illegal drugs as part of a shame campaign.
Duterte read out the names of more than 150 narcopoliticians allegedly linked to illegal drugs back in August
"Once you hear your name mentioned here, you are now relieved of your present assignment. Report to the PNP within 24 hours or I will order the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines to hunt for you," said Duterte during a speech in Davao city.
However, according to a CBC [report] (http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/philippines-mayor-killed-1.3825384), Dimaukom had turned himself to police and denied he was involved in the illegal drug trade
He had told the media that he was fighting illegal drugs himself and supported Duterte's crackdown.
"**It was a legitimate anti-drug operation but the subjects opened fire on our troops**," regional police official Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr. told the press.
Supt. Bernard Tayong told the press that the men were killed before dawn when they opened fire from three cars on officers at a checkpoint in Makilala town in North Cotabato province
Ahead of the deadly firefight, police received information that Dimaukom's group was planning to transport a "huge" amount of methamphetamine — a prohibited and extremely addictive stimulant drug locally known as shabu — from Davao city, Duterte's hometown, to Maguindanao province, where Datu Saudi Ampatuan town is located [said] (http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201610280031.html) The Asahi Shimbun.
Police estimate more than 3,600 suspected drug dealers and addicts have been killed [since Duterte took office on 30 June] (http://says.com/ph/news/duterte-s-war-on-drugs-featured-on-time-magazine)
"**I have to solve this problem. Drugs – it will continue.** I don't care whether there is a thousand hearings everywhere. I am focused on the problem. I will not stop until the last pusher in the streets, around the streets are fully exterminated. I will not stop… I will really kill drug lords. Make no bones about it," said Duterte.
Image via PNP
The crackdown has drawn international concern over extrajudicial killings, but Duterte has repeatedly dismissed criticism and vowed to keep his election promise to rid the country of drugs.
