Duterte a 'respecter of human rights,' Palace tells UN

MANILA, Philippines – The Palace on Wednesday said that "alleged extrajudicial killings" are not a policy of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, whom it said is a "respecter of human rights."

In a statement, the Palace said that Duterte, a lawyer and former prosecutor, knows the limits of the power and authority of his office.

"President Duterte is a respecter of human rights, but he has also been firm in saying that human rights cannot be used as an excuse to let the spread of drugs in the country run rampant," the Palace said.

Human rights groups have attributed a rise in drug-related deaths in recent months to the government's war on drugs. Duterte has repeatedly talked about killing drug dealers, drug pushers, criminals and corrupt government officials. He has also promised to defend police officers and soldiers accused of rights violations. He has said, however, that he will not tolerate abuse by security forces.

"Notwithstanding the accusations hurled against him, no formal charge of human rights violations has been filed," the Palace said.

DFA ready to answer UN criticisms

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said that it is ready to answer the United Nations' criticisms of Duterte and his anti-drug camapaign.

“Lumabas na kasi yung statement ng UN  Human Rights Commission and we are given one day to respond today, so ready na tayo to give our statement once na mag-open yung session today sa Geneva time,” DFA Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said  

Jose was responding to the recent criticisms lodged by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein. Duterte, was among those he singled out in his opening statement at the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council.

Hussein hit Duterte for his lack of understanding of human rights institutions. He emphasized that the fair and impartial rule of law is the foundation of public confidence and security and slammed the president’s endorsement of killing drug suspects.  

“The president of the Philippines's statements of scorn for international human rights law display a striking lack of understanding of our human rights institutions and the principles which keep societies safe.  Empowering police forces to shoot to kill any individual whom they claim to suspect of drug crimes, with or without evidence, undermines justice,” Hussein said in his speech.

“The people of the Philippines have a right to judicial institutions that are impartial, and operate under due process guarantees; and they have a right to a police force that serves justice,” he added.

Hussein then advised the Philippine government to extend an invitation to the special rapporteur for extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.

“My office is ready to assist, including with respect to rule of law institutions and the prevention and treatment of drug use in accordance with international norms,” Hussein assured.

Last August, Duterte threatened to withdraw the country from the United Nations in his latest outburst against critics of his anti-drugs campaign that has left hundreds of suspects dead. His spokespersons later played down the statement after it was pointed out that there is no procedure to leave the UN, which the Philippines helped found in 1945.