Story highlights Duterte said he wants to give carte blanche to citizens to kill criminals who threaten them

He has a long history of controversial comments and ideas

(CNN) Philippines president-elect Rodrigo Duterte effectively said he supports vigilantism in a nationally-televised speech.

Faced with criminals who resist arrest or threaten citizens, the controversial politician suggested that it was fine for citizens to take the law into their own hands.

"If he fights, and he fights to the death, you can kill him," said the former mayor of Davao City, who was elected to the presidency in a decisive victory last month.

During the address, Duterte also encouraged citizens to use deadly force against drug dealers who threaten them.

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"Please feel free to call us, the police, or do it yourself if you have the gun ... you have my support," he told the crowd and television cameras.