MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte raised the stakes should it be proven that his son, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, is involved in illegal acts.

The President claimed on Wednesday, September 20, that he would order Paolo’s death if the smuggling or drug trafficking allegations against his son are true.

“I told Pulong, ‘My order is to kill you if you are caught… And I will protect the police who will kill you,'” he said, using Paolo’s nickname.

Duterte was speaking at the awarding of outstanding government workers in Malacañang.

He recalled his previous warnings when he was still Davao City mayor. Paolo’s supposed illegal activities had already been making headlines then.

“I said before, if I have a child into drugs, you just kill them so no one can say anything,” he said.

Duterte has made other threats which he said he would make good on if the accusations against his children are true.

The President has said he would resign, file cases against his own children, and fire government officials in cahoots with them. (READ: Ties that bind: Who are Mans Carpio, Paolo Duterte connected to?)

Paolo and Duterte’s son-in-law, lawyer Manases Carpio, have been accused of involvement in smuggling. Both have denied the allegations. (READ: Duterte defends son-in-law, distances self from Paolo’s ex-wife) – Rappler.com