Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte rebuked Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno following her remarks on the government's anti-illegal drug campaign when she urged drug suspects to refuse to surrender sans warrant of arrest.
"I am alarmed by the situation of impunity in our country whereby our court processes are not effected by law enforcement agencies," Sereno said as quoted by The Philippine Star.
Sereno expressed concern on the spate of killings as a result of Duterte's campaign to eliminate the menace of drugs in six months' time.
The newly-elected president, less than two months in office, gained popularity in his war against drugs, tagging high ranking government officials such as a senator, court judges, police generals, governors and mayors in illegal drug activities.
The numbers of killings of drug personalities also breached the 800 mark with most fatalities reportedly engaged in gunfights against authorities while others were believed to be executed by vigilantes.
Duterte said the statement of the country's chief magistrate can stir anarchy as it will encourage notorious drug lords to resist and fight government operatives.
"Hearing your words 'do not allow yourself to be arrested if there is no warrant,' is a very dangerous statement. You will promote anarchy. There is no anarchy under my watch," he added.
