CHR refuses to accept Duterte's 'kill' threats

MANILA, Philippines - Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's threats of violence and alleged "shoot to kill" policy against criminals in his city are not signs of an upright leadership, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said.

CHR Chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales said Monday that Duterte may face administrative charges for his methods.

"Ordering law enforcement officers to 'shoot to kill' suspects, or threatening smugglers to leave your area out of their operations, or 'I will kill you' is no way for a Local Chief Executive to lead," Rosales said in a formal letter directing CHR's legal office to review the mayor's statements.

"Such comments are sending the wrong signals that invite vigilantism," the human rights lawyer added.

Rosales was reacting to Duterte's threats denouncing rice smugglers and even telling the rights bureau to "shut up" after Rosales called his statement "unethical."

Rosales also reminded Duterte that the agency is following cases on so-called vigilante group Davao Death Squad allegedly responsible for summary executions of drug traffickers and other suspected wrongdoers in the city.

"In today's police paradigm ... the death of a person resulting out of police intervention is generally considered an operational failure," Rosales said, referring to the prevention of fatalities whether of suspects or criminals.

A United Nations body had earlier criticized Duterte for tolerating disappearances and killings.

"The Mayor of Davao City has done nothing to prevent these killings, and his public comments suggest that he is, in fact, supportive,"  the UN report said in a 2009 session.

Read: Duterte stands by 'kill' statement, tells CHR to 'shut up'