MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday said he will not tolerate abuses inside the national police force, saying he will weed out scalawags in uniform while protecting those who are doing their jobs.

Duterte, who has over two decades of experience in public service, told policemen that he knows some in their ranks are involved in illegal activities.

He told policemen to avoid the company of known criminals, including drug lords, saying some crooks like to have their pictures taken with public officials and police officers.

"I know how you handle your work and I also know how good you are. But I also know sometimes you can become a bad boy in the organization so beginning from now, I will not tolerate, zero tolerance for abuses committed by the law enforcement agencies including the National Bureau of Investigation," he said.

"Do not taint yourself in the company of known criminals and criminal syndicates. You will be sorry," he added.

Cops, including police generals, who are accused of having links with known criminals will have their records checked, he said.

The President criticized corruption inside the police force and spoke out against police officials who bring thee or four men with them every time they are reassigned.

Duterte said that as a long-time official, he has always protected police officials who are doing good in their jobs.

He also said he will keep his promise to raise the salaries of police officers but said they must do their jobs about ridding the country of crime in 3 to 6 months.

"I will be harsh. I will go to the extreme. Yung mga nagkakaso kayo ng kidnapping, I will review you and I would like to talk to you in Malacañang. Dalawa lang tayo. P***a, sabihin mo sa akin kung anong gusto mo," he said.

"Do not b*** with me but do your duty. I will die for you. Do your duty and if in the process, you kill 1,000 persons because you were doing your duty and I will protect you. If they will try to impeach me, I will hurry up the process and we go out of the service together."