President Rodrigo Duterte once again thanked the military and police as one of the reasons why Davao City is now a better place to live in.

"Without the support of the police and the military in the early days of my mayorship, I could not have succeeded. Davao would not be this beautiful, industrial buildings that would make our people happy," the president said in his speech at the awarding of Madayaw Residences Units.

The president also reiterated that even after his term, he would continue to protect the police and military, even if the officers faced charges.

He is willing to provide free legal assistance when accused of abuse simply for fulfilling their duty.

"Even if I'm no longer a mayor or a President, if it is done in the performance of duty, I will help you to any extent; I am a lawyer. I'll help you get out of it. "

Duterte believes that he can give them justice, especially if they only did their job of arresting or fighting criminals and the New People's Army.

The president also stressed that violence and fear are essential in law enforcement, especially in the campaign against illegal drugs. 

This follows his call to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to stop investigating alleged crimes against humanity in the country under the anti-illegal drugs campaign.

"The ICC, if you're listening, stop pretending that you're going to file charges against me," Duterte said.

The president stressed that the ICC has no jurisdiction to investigate the drug war in the Philippines.