International
0

Philippines’ Duterte Likens Himself to Hitler

Philippines’ Duterte Likens Himself to Hitler
Philippines’ Duterte Likens Himself to Hitler

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte appeared to liken himself to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler on Friday and said he would “be happy” to exterminate three million drug users and peddlers in the country.

In a rambling speech on his arrival in Davao City after a visit to Vietnam, Duterte told reporters that he had been “portrayed to be a cousin of Hitler” by critics, Reuters reported.

Noting that Hitler had murdered millions of Jews, Duterte said, “There are three million drug addicts (in the Philippines). I’d be happy to slaughter them.”

“If Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have...,” he added, pausing and pointing to himself.

“You know my victims. I would like (them) to be all criminals to finish the problem of my country and save the next generation from perdition.”

Duterte was voted to power in a May election on the back of a vow to end drugs and corruption in the country of 100 million people. He took office on June 30 and over 3,100 people have been killed since then, mostly alleged drug users and dealers, in police operations and in vigilante killings.

Still, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter, speaking before the latest remarks from Duterte, said Washington had an “ironclad” alliance with Manila. A senior US defense official, also speaking earlier, told reporters that the United States had a long enduring relationship with the Philippines regardless of who was president.

“It’s going to continue to survive based on what we think are strong US-Philippines common security interests, so we’ll be engaging President Duterte further,” the official said.

Financialtribune.com