adminManila (Philippines) — President Rodrigo Duterte has unleashed a series of expletives against the European Union after its parliament called on the Philippine government to “put an end” to the killings of drug suspects.
Member countries of the European Union last week called for strict monitoring of human rights abuses in the Philippines following public statements by Duterte on his “war on drugs”.
Since June 30 when Duterte took office, more than 3 500 people have been killed in police operations and attacks by unidentified assailants.
“I have read the condemnation of the European Union. I’m telling them, ‘F**k you,’” Duterte said in a mix of Filipino and English during a speech to local businessmen in his hometown of Davao City on Tuesday.
Describing the EU as hypocrites, Duterte said the grouping “has the gall to condemn me” despite historical records showing what member countries, such as France and Britain, have done in the Middle East.
He said the EU is trying to “atone” for its sins and “guilt feelings” over occupying other countries in the past. “I repeat it, ‘F**k you!’,” Duterte said as he raised his right hand and gave a middle finger to applause from the audience.
The EU had urged the Philippine government to investigate abuses “in full compliance with national and international obligations and respect for human rights”.
“President Duterte repeatedly urged law enforcement agencies and the public to kill suspected drug traffickers who did not surrender, as well as drug users,” the EU politicians said in a resolution.
“President Duterte publicly stated he would not pursue law enforcement officers and citizens who killed drug dealers who resisted arrest.”
Earlier this month, Duterte directed profanities at UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and US President Barack Obama, after they made similar comments about the mounting death toll in the Philippines.
Duterte later apologised for calling Obama “a son of a whore”. — Al Jazeera
Online Reporter