DUTERTE VERSUS BAMBOO

It is no surprise that President Duterte has a long list of enemies but Bamboo is not one of them. The above photo is a metaphor that speaks the sentiments of the President on Bamboo Triad. According to Duterte, it is an organized crime group that is believed to be the supplier of illegal drugs all over the country.

President Duterte with DOJ Sec. Aguirre at the DILG's 120th anniversary

Last Tuesday at the 120th anniversary celebration of DILG, Duterte revealed that the said crime group is based in Taiwan, not China. According to him, “Itong drugs ngayon, it’s been operated by the 14K, Bamboo Triad. They have taken over. They are cooking the shabu in the high seas. Tapos itatapon. Nakita mo sa Region 1, mga bins na empty na may Chinese character. It’s actually from Taiwan at lahat na.”

Duterte also said, “The Philippines today is a client state of the Bamboo Triad. They have taken over the operations. Sad to say, the Chinese. But I do not mean the country and people in a sense that most of them are really into this kind of business.” 

  President Rodrigo Duterte speaks at the 56th anniversary celebration of Philconsa.

The President has been vocal of his optimistic views on China.. Unfortunately, this cannot impressively eradicate the fact that most Filipinos believe China is the number one supplier of illegal drugs in the country. Remember the infamous BOC 6.4 Billion shabu shipment that caused Faeldon to lose his post and revealed the alleged involvement of Paolo Duterte and his brother-in-law, Atty Carpio. The President explained that it is one of the administration's foreign policies to set up a harmonious, diplomatic relationship with China over the Scarborough Shoal dispute.

Whether this Bamboo Triad came from China or Taiwan, illegal drugs in the country is still rampant. The government must act fast.

Photos: Rappler, RTVM Video