President Duterte yesterday appeared to compare himself to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and said he would be happy to “slaughter” three million drug addicts.
“Hitler massacred three million Jews. Now there are three million drug addicts (in the country). I’d be happy to slaughter them,” Duterte said in a press conference upon his return from a two-day visit to Vietnam.
He expressed exasperation on criticisms from the international community over alleged extrajudicial killings in connection with his no-nonsense campaign to eradicate illegal drugs in the country.
According to Duterte, he had been pictured by his critics to be a cousin of Hitler. “At least if Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have…,” he continued.
“You know, my victims, I would like to be, all criminals, to finish the problem of my country and save the next generation from perdition,” Duterte said.
Philippine National Police chief Director Gen. Ronald M. dela Rosa said they are still halfway into their target of neutralizing 1.8 million drug personalities. He said the number shall include surrenders, arrested, and killed drug suspects.
To date, Dela Rosa said, an estimated 720,000 drug suspects have surrendered and about 15,000 arrested, but did not mention the number of drug personalities killed in police operations.
The United States, United Nations, and European Union have all expressed concern over reported extrajudicial killings in the Philippines in connection with the government’s campaign against drugs.
But according to the President, his critics were just being hypocrites. “Look, kayong US, EU. You can call me anything. But I was never into or I am never into hypocrisy like you. Close your doors, its winter time. There are migrants escaping from the Middle East. You allow them to rot and then you’re worried about the death of about 1,000, 2,000, 3,000?” he said. (ELENA L. ABEN)