MANILA, Philippines - Brunei is ready to work with or take pointers from the Philippines in the fight against illegal drugs, a campaign that has earned President Duterte both criticism and admiration at home and abroad.
“We also look forward to our future collaboration in addressing issues on drugs,” Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah said after meeting with Duterte yesterday at Malacañang. “We believe that both sides will benefit from the exchanges of expertise and best practices in this area.”
Bolkiah is in the country for a state visit and the 30th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Duterte did not mention the anti-drug war in his speech after his meeting with the Brunei leader.
But a joint statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Duterte brought up his campaign against narcotics during the meeting.
“President Duterte also emphasized his administration’s campaign against illicit drugs and called for increased collaboration among ASEAN partners in addressing this scourge, in line with the regional theme of ‘Securing ASEAN communities against illicit drugs,”’ the statement read.
“His Majesty (Bolkiah) expressed satisfaction that both countries have worked together in addressing this issue through ASEAN and welcomed further efforts in strengthening cooperation in this area.”
Bolkiah’s statement came days after a complaint was filed against Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the spate of killings linked to his clampdown on illegal drugs.
In the complaint, Jude Sabio, lawyer of self-confessed hit man Edgar Matobato, accused Duterte and other Philippine officials of “crimes against humanity” and claimed the administration knew about the activities of death squads targeting suspected drug offenders. Officials have dismissed the complaint as “black propaganda.”
Duterte has vowed to eradicate the drug menace in the Philippines, a problem he claimed has contaminated four million Filipinos. To curb the drug menace, the President launched a brutal war against drug offenders, a campaign that critics claimed has resulted in extrajudicial killings and human rights violations.
More than 7,000 suspected drug offenders have been killed since Duterte assumed office last year but the President insists the government does not endorse summary executions.
Stand on sea row
Duterte said he and Bolkiah have also committed to work together “to ensure that the principled position for the peaceful resolution of disputes will be articulated fully.”
“This is a collective interest that must be upheld in the implementation of the Declaration of the Code of Conduct and greater progress on the Framework of Code of Conduct in South China Sea,” the Philippine leader said.
“As we seek peace, stability and security in the vital waters of South China Sea, we must remember that we have duties as responsible members of the international community which we must abide,” he added.
Both the Philippines and Brunei have maritime claims in the South China Sea, through which about 80 percent of world trade passes. Other claimants in the dispute are China, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.
Duterte and Bolkiah also reaffirmed their commitment to boost their two countries’ economic and defense ties.
Bolkiah said the Philippines and Brunei’s defense links are “closer than ever” through their participation in the International Monitoring Team overseeing the peace initiatives with Muslim rebels in Mindanao.
“The ongoing peace initiative will promise a prosperous future for your people and have a far-reaching impact upon our region,” the sultan said, referring to the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The two leaders also vowed to use the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation mechanism as guide to help them pursue “a committed and principled campaign against terrorism, violent extremism, and piracy at sea.”
Duterte and Bolkiah also cited the need for more support for the goals of the sub-regional grouping Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
He said the grouping could be “a model for connectivity and for bringing inclusive development to areas that most need growth to transform lives and communities.”
Brunei also expressed full support for the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN summit and is looking forward to a “successful year” under its chairmanship.
Duterte also thanked Bolkiah for hosting about 23,000 Filipinos working and living in Brunei.
“We are grateful for their contributions and continue to welcome them as close friends,” Bolkiah said.
Duterte said he had an “open and insightful” meeting with Bolkiah, whom he described as “a true friend of the Philippines.”
“He (Bolkiah) deserves our utmost respect and admiration,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Duterte also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthen cooperation with Brunei.
“We are eager to bring this partnership to a whole new level,” Duterte said after welcoming Bolkiah in formal ceremonies at the Palace grounds.
“As a pillar of ASEAN, it is fitting that we also honor and express our gratitude to his majesty for his significant contributions to the building of a strong ASEAN,” Duterte said.
He also acknowledged Bolkiah’s being the first ASEAN head of state to visit the Philippines under his administration.
“And this to me, imbues our meeting today with great significance. Since my state visit in Brunei in October last year, we are looking forward to this occasion to reaffirm a friendship that continues to hold great promise,” the Chief Executive said. “This even as we have made significant strides over three decades of formal diplomatic relations.
“We look forward to a very productive discussion today, confident that we will conclude with the renewed sense of purpose and clear vision of our countries and our region,” Duterte said.
Bolkiah said he was happy to be back in the Philippines for the official visit.
“It’s good to be back in the Philippines once again. Since my arrival, I have seen many economic activities which show the rapid development taking place in your country,” the Brunei leader said.