Duterte woos soldiers with promises of luxury watches

From Malaya Business Insight (Oct 1): Duterte woos soldiers with promises of luxury watches

PRESIDENT Duterte on Saturday night visited a military camp in Agusan del Sur, his third visit in a month amid talks that some soldiers are involved in alleged outer plots against him, and wooed them with promises of luxury watches if they display exceptional bravery in performing their duties.

Duterte donned ranks and awarded medals to some members of the 401st and 402nd Infantry Brigade during his visit to Camp Ditu Lapus Makapandong in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

He thanked and lauded the soldiers anew for their contributions in the success of the government’s war against illegal drugs and campaign against insurgency and announced that the 401st and the 402nd Infantry Brigades would receive P100,000 each which they can use to celebrate when they return to their camps.

“Each brigade we’d give you P100,000 so you can celebrate when you return to your camps,” adding Rolex watches will be given to soldiers who display valor.

Rolex watches are some of the most expensive, with prices ranging from $5,400 to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

He also reiterated his vow to support and protect the soldiers should they face any charges in the performance of their duty.

“I assure you that you are not alone in this fight. As long as you perform your mandate in accordance with law, this administration will remain steadfast in supporting your organization and provide you with the necessary tools and resources that enable you to effectively fulfill – as defenders of the nation,” he said.

“If it is in the performance of your duty and you face charges, criminal and all, you need not worry. I will take the blame personally and I will protect you. And I would never, never allow you to go to jail. Performing a duty for a nation is a noble job. I will not allow a single soldier to stay in prison even for one day. That is my promise to you,” he added.

Duterte had already visited the soldiers in Agusan in June 2017.

He said he is set to visit Samar this week, but it’s not yet sure if the trip would include another camp visit. He visited Camp General Vicente Lukban in Catbalogan City in Samar in August 2016.

He added that while he does not wear nor accept such luxury watches as a gift, he has no qualms in giving out such timepieces to the soldiers for their bravery.

Last September 18, Duterte visited the personnel of the 5th Infantry Division in Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela and, on September 20, attended the 12th Activation Anniversary of the Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) of the Philippine Army in Camp O’Donnell in Capas in Tarlac.

Last August, he visited troops detailed at Camp Teodulfo Bautista Headquarters in Jolo, Sulu and attended the 12th Eastern Mindanao Command Anniversary of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City.

Duterte had earlier said that some active members of the military are sympathetic and supportive of opposition Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a staunch critic of Duterte.

Trillanes, a former Navy officer, had recently been ordered arrested by the court for his role in the Manila Peninsula siege in 2007. He posted bailed for his temporary liberty.

http://malaya.bayaninetwork.com/?q=business-news/news/duterte-woos-soldiers-promises-luxury-watches