No discussion of EJK with Trump -Duterte

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his partner Honeylet welcome US President Donald Trump prior to the start of the gala dinner hosted by the Philippines for the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states and dialogue partners at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on November 12, 2017. (Photo by Ace Morandante/Presidential Photo)

The concerns on the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJK) as a result of the government’s crackdown against illegal drugs were not discussed during President Rodrigo Duterte’s meeting with United States President Donald Trump last Saturday in Vietnam.

President Rodrigo Duterte said he has just exchanged chitchats with Trump during their first encounter in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Da Nang.

“He said something about, ‘You know, you handle it very well…’ I do not want to brag. These are the things that you do not brag about: Marawi and the drug war—words of encouragement,” Duterte told reporters in his return to the Philippines.

“Not (EJK). Well, (Trump) cannot afford it. We do not talk about these things because, first of all, they are not true; and the second is, we do not do it,” he added.

Earlier, two United States House representatives called on Trump to raise questions about human rights situations in the Philippines in his meeting with Duterte.

Reps. Randy Hultgren of Illinois and James McGovern of Massachusetts, co-chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, wrote a letter urging Trump to discuss with Duterte in their meeting their “profound concern” over cases of extrajudicial killings as a result of the government’s war against illegal drugs.

The two US lawmakers also informed Trump about the results of the Commission hearing where it found out that the Philippine National Police (PNP) have killed 7,000 suspected drug users and dealers “without charges or trial.”

On the other hand, Malacañang renewed its adherence to the rule of law and their commitment in the protection of human rights amidst criticisms.

“We reiterate that our adherence to the rule of law remains as firm as ever, as is our commitment to the protection of human rights. The government is investigating allegations of so-called extrajudicial killings, including homicide cases with drug-related motives,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Duterte also said he is not expecting that the matter will be brought up once again.

“I’m sure he will not take it up,” Duterte said.

“He is not the human rights commission. So it’s only the (House of Representatives in America). The US like the Philippines is run by three great departments,” he added.

However, Canada’s Prime Minister may raise this issue with Duterte at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.