A number of erring cops may have escaped deployment to Basilan by simply not showing up for the trip, but it doesn’t mean they’re already off the hook for their supposed violations.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday (February 28) warned rogue cops about crossing the government even if they are set to be dismissed from service, saying they will be killed.

“Most of them ay ‘yung mga ninjas are criminals so they are high in the list. And do not be surprised if they are killed because they are wanted and so are the police have been dismissed for committing crimes,” he said in an interview in Malacañang.

Duterte said he has asked the Philippine National Police to form a “squad” who will monitor the cops who will be dismissed from service for not going to Basilan because there is a chance they will continue to commit wrongdoing as a private citizen.

“Meron talagang tiga-silip sa kanila from time to time kasi itong mga wala na na trabaho pulis na nga kriminal pa mas lalo na kung hindi na ito pulis,” he said.

“So itong mga ito mamarkahan ko talaga ito sila. And I would like to warn them, I will not spare you. Mauna talaga kayong mamatay. ‘Pag nagkamali kayo, mauna kayong mamatay sigurado ‘yan,” Duterte added.

The President previously ordered the deployment of so-called “scalawag cops” to Basilan as part of the PNP’s internal cleansing. Less than half of the around 300 men picked to be transferred, however, proceeded to Mindanao for their new assignment.

Duterte warned cops who will be dismissed from service that they will become “special targets” if ever they consider joining the illegal drug trade because they are out of work.

“I’m warning the public including the media right now, do not be surprised if they are killed one of these days, one by one,” he said.