Criminals have no humanity—Pres. Duterte

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said that criminals have no humanity. (Photo: Presidential Communications (Government of the Philippines)/ Facebook)

MANILA—Pres. Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said that criminals have no humanity.

The President made the statement during an interview in Cebu in response to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) which said that drug-related killings may be considered crimes against humanity.

“If you kill criminals, it is not a crime against humanity. The criminals have no humanity,” Duterte said after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.

He likewise said those who were killed in legitimate government operations were the ones who fought back against law enforcers.

However, those killed outside of police operations are not the handiwork of the government.

“Lahat naman sila lumaban. ‘Yung hindi lumaban sa gobyerno, hindi amin ‘yun. Baka pari ang kalaban nila,” Duterte said.

The President reiterated that he would answer for law enforcers who killed drug suspects during legitimate encounters.

“Yung namatay during encounters, of course I answer for them. I hold myself legally responsible. Huwag ninyong idemanda ‘yung pulis pati sundalo kasi inutos ko lang ‘yan sa kanila,” Duterte said.