The Filipino President must be investigated over boasts that he killed at least three people, says the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Addressing reporters at the Presidential Palace on 14th December, President Duterte said hat he committed “about three” murders during his time as Mayor of Davao. He alleged that his victims were suspects in a rape and kidnapping case.
He also claimed to have driven around the streets of Davao on a motorbike “looking for an encounter to be able to kill”.
“Credible and independent investigations must be urgently re-opened into the killings in Davao, as well as into the shocking number of killings that have occurred across the country since Mr. Duterte became president,” said High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.
“The perpetrators must be brought to justice, sending a strong message that violence, killings and human rights violations will not be tolerated by the State and that no one is above the law.”
Filipino justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II denied a murder investigation was necessary, saying that Duterte exaggerates his stories to frighten criminals.
More than 6,000 people, including a five year old boy, have been killed by police or vigilantes since Duterte took power on 30th June. The president has repeatedly encouraged citizens to kill individuals they suspect of drug use or dealing as part of his so-called “War on Drugs”.
Naga News 