MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte cried foul over the supposed meddling by the United Nations in his government and his drive against illegal drugs.
Speaking at the 115th anniversary of the police service, Duterte asked the “easily swayed” UN why it is interfering with his administration while there are more important issues in other countries like bombings in the Middle East.
The president said that it is easy for his critics to complain, but wondered why they are quiet about the victims of criminals who were killed.
“Why would the UN so be easily swayed into interfering in the affairs of this republic?” Duterte said.
“There are just about 1,000 deaths while there are a lot of innocent women and child being killed elsewhere in this world without even seeing the slightest justice,” he added.
Duterte has been criticized over a perceived rise in the number of killings since he became president. He, however, defended himself and said that deaths caused by criminals should not be attributed his government.
Recently, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon denounced Duterte's apparent endorsement of extrajudicial killing. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime also aired their “great concern” over the rising number of deaths in the Philippines.
The president explained that illegal drugs should be blamed for the loss of innocent lives that have left families broken. He added that this was because of drug abuse.
Duterte cited a report of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in 2014 that around 3.7 million Filipinos are drug dependent, many of whom, he said, have become drug-crazed.
He vowed that his campaign against illegal drugs will continue.
“We do not want war. We cannot build a nation over the bones of our people, our citizens,” he said, a line that he has used in past speeches.
“But in time when it calls for an action to protect the entire nation, especially the young, I have placed myself at stake, my honor, my life and even losing the presidency.”
Shoot resisting criminals
Despite the criticism, Duterte advised the uniform personnel to kill suspects resisting arrest only if their lives are in danger.
“When there is a violent resistance and if you cannot place him under the control of the law, thereby placing your life in jeopardy, then shoot and shoot him dead,” he told police officials, advising them not to mind the UN.
“But when you kill criminals and fight with you and criminals who fight amongst themselves that is our duty," he said.
He however ordered the PNP Internal Affairs Service to investigates all the killings in police operations.
“For every incidence of killing of a human being, whether it is part of police duty or not, have it investigated. That way, we can transparent to everybody,”
Meanwhile, the president also assured the entire PNP of “doubled” salaries and free education to their children from kinder to high school.
At the end of his speech, Duterte called on the international community to not be afraid in his country. He also invited them to invest in the Philippines and assured them that there is no more “hanky panky” in the system.