Responding to criticisms on his war against drugs, Duterte stressed that the state does not condone the vigilante-style killings of drug lords.
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The Philippine president says his bloody anti-drug campaign that has left almost 1,800 people dead does not amount to genocide, but that he is ready to go to jail to defend his men from lawsuits.
“Genocide? I did not kill anyone”. I did not kill any child.
National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa said on Friday he did not believe Odicta, telling officers: “Who are they fooling?”
When told the President had consistently said that drug users could not be rehabilitated, Andanar said Mr. Duterte was only referring to individuals who sniff “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) on a daily basis.
Human rights groups have expressed alarm over the spate of killings, and United Nations -appointed human rights experts warned steps should be taken to halt the violence, adding that the government and law enforcers could be held responsible.
The UN special rapporteur on summary executions, Agnes Callamard, said earlier this month that his directives “amount to incitement to violence and killing, a crime under worldwide law”. “I am declaring war”, he told an audience at a national heroes’ cemetery Monday that included ambassadors, war veterans and security officials.
“It (drug problem) has infected every nook and corner of this country, involving generals, mayors, governors, barangay captain, and so numerous ninjas we call them”.
The Philippines president has offered a 2 million peso ($43,000) reward for information leading to the arrest of police officers protecting local drug rings – the latest step in a pre-election promise that saw Rodrigo Duterte pledge to curb corruption and criminality within six months.
“You can not wage a war without killing”, Duterte said, adding that many drug users were beyond rehabilitation.
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While human rights groups have expressed alarm that officials could be held responsible as they appear to be ignoring laws in apprehending suspects, a survey conducted by Pulse Asia last month showed that 91 percent of respondents said they trust Duterte. “I will go to the prison for you”. I take full legal responsibility.
