Duterte to human rights groups: I don't care if you call me “killer”

President Rodrigo Duterte, photo from EWN

"Sorry but I don’t care about your opinion about me,”

President Rodrigo Duterte shrugged off being called a killer in his war against drugs, and said that he "doesn't care" about the allegations.



“I don’t care if you call me killer. Killer? Really a killer. Who would not be a killer? So is it wrong to say now , ‘Do not destroy my country because I will destroy you?’ Destroying my country is destroying my countrymen. It’s people we’re talking of,” he said

The President said he was not bothered by the accusation that he ordered the killings, during the 84th anniversary celebration of the Department of Labor and Employment.

He said that he needs to fulfill his promise to eradicate the drug trade in the country, and that he has no choice but to annihilate the drug problem, even it puts lives on those involved in the drug trade at risk.

"What I just wanted is do not destroy the country because I will destroy you. I will kill you. Why would you get involved (in illegal drugs)? You really want to die. If you want to die, I will do it for you,” the Chief Executive added.



On December 7, Duterte said that he might have ordered the killings.

“I ordered their killing? Maybe yes,maybe no. Do not go into a guessing game for you might guess it right and I would be sorry for it,” said Duterte during the first Kapampangan Food Festival held in Pampanga.

The war against drugs has been the primary platform, and campaign promise of Duterte, and it has also marked his administration.

The deaths in the drug war have garnered massive media attention, even in the international scheme.



Several groups and NGO's have gone against the methods, yet Duterte said that he won't listen to the appeals.

“Drugs, I will not accept it. I have been persistently criticized by human rights (groups). I’m tired of it. You’re just wasting your saliva,” Duterte said.

He said that he will fulfill his promise no matter the situation.

“There will be no drugs. I don’t care if I lose my job, the presidency, or if I get killed. I promised the Filipino people during the campaign and I will do it whether you like it or not. Sorry but I don’t care about your opinion about me,” he added.

Source: sunstar.com.ph

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