President Duterte yesterday disclosed that 2,000 Filipinos living in Iceland is at risk if the country cuts ties with the Nordic nation over the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution looking into the human rights situation in the country, including alleged extrajudicial killings in the campaign against illegal drugs.
In an interview with Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Duterte admitted that cutting ties with Iceland may affect Filipinos based in that country.
“I learned that there about 2,000 workers in Iceland. So sabi ko, I’m seriously considering because it might affect the relations between our citizens and the host country,” he said.
However, he warned Iceland that he will take action if Filipinos there are negatively affected by the situation.
“They might not like the way we behave towards them and so they will be prompted to take measures. I hope they do not have to do it because I won’t take it sitting down,” he added.
Malacañang had earlier confirmed that Duterte is seriously considering cutting the Philippines’ 20-year-old diplomatic ties with Iceland after it initiated the resolution.
However, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said that the Philippines will not cut diplomatic ties with the UNHRC or any other country.
Duterte said that cutting diplomatic ties with Iceland is his, not Locsin’s, decision to make. “Teddyboy Locsin says, ‘No, we’re not cutting.’ Ako naman I’m seriously considering,” the President said.
“He’s the spokesman but the Office of the President is the sole entity that includes the Foreign Affairs kasi mga Cabinet members naman ‘yan sila, eh,” he added. (Argyll Geducos)