Duterte wants to behead opponents
Print Edition
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte wants to behead opponents of his drugs war, he said yesterday, warning that 50,000 people could die in his crackdown. The comment came after he rejected European Union aid in response to its criticism of the killings.
Duterte said he would not be intimidated by criticism of the drugs war, which rights groups have said could be a crime against humanity.
“Don’t trust those human rights (critics), if you do I will cut off both your heads,” Duterte said in a speech to inaugurate a bridge in the southern Philippines.
“I will not be influenced by any fear. Jail me. So jail me. If they say I should be jailed, OK. Fine. I’ll pay the price.”
Duterte said human rights activists had alleged that 10,000 people had died in his drugs war since he came to power last year, but warned of many more deaths in his quest to eradicate drugs in society.
“Make that 50,000. I will really finish them off. And even if I go to hell, I can rot in prison. I do not mind. I am old.”
Earlier, his spokesman said the Philippines would refuse EU grants that “interfered” with its internal affairs.
The EU has been among the most vocal critics of the drugs war.
“The president has approved the recommendation of the department of finance not to accept grants ... from the EU that may allow it to interfere with the internal policies of the Philippines,” Ernesto Abella told reporters.
Abella said one grant had already been declined for having “objectionable” conditions, though he refused to elaborate.
It is not clear how much money is in jeopardy. Last year aid from the EU was worth US$217 million, according to government data.
Abella said humanitarian aid would still be accepted but the EU ambassador to Manila, Franz Jessen, said the decision impacted 250 million euros (US$278 million) in grants.
Duterte, 72, has repeatedly criticized European lawmakers and the EU for condemning his drugs war.
The EU has said it is reviewing Philippine exports’ duty-free status because of rights concerns, which also include Duterte’s plans to bring back the death penalty and lower the age of criminal responsibility to 9.
Last year, Duterte used vulgar language and raised his middle finger in response to a European Parliament statement expressing concern at the killings. Germany also expressed concern after Duterte drew parallels between his drugs war and the Holocaust.
“Hitler massacred 3 million Jews. Now there are 3 million drug addicts (in the Philippines). I’d be happy to slaughter them,” Duterte said, underestimating the number of people killed in the Holocaust.
He later apologized.
Duterte easily won presidential elections last year after promising to end crime by killing drug traffickers and addicts.
Police have reported killing about 2,700 people since then.
Unknown assailants have killed more than 1,800 others, while about 5,700 other deaths are under investigation.
Partly in response to American criticism, Duterte has also loosened ties with the United States.
Instead, he has embraced China, which has supported his drugs war and deepened ties by providing billions of dollars in investments and aid.
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