On the initiative of the S&D Group, the European Parliament called today on the government of the Philippines to immediately put an end to the extrajudicial killings in the pretext of a ‘war on drugs’. Thousands of persons are believed to have been killed in a wave of illegal, extrajudicial executions during police anti-drugs operations. The Parliament’s resolution also urges President Rodrigo Duterte to stop harassing, intimidating or banning his critics from entry into the country and urges the Philippines government to fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC).  

 

 

“The human rights situation in the Philippines remains alarming. Around 12,000 people have reported to have lost their lives by way of extrajudicial killings. We are deeply concerned that deputy secretary-general of the PES Giacomo Filibeck, among many others, has been denied entry into the country. It is shocking that human rights defenders, indigenous leaders and UN officials, and even government officials such as Senator Leila de Lima, are targeted by the Duterte government. Furthermore, I strongly condemn the misogynistic and violent language used by President Duterte; his war on drugs has now also turned into a war against women. Without drastic improvement of the human rights situation, it is difficult for me to see any partnership.”

 

 

“Filipinos are paying the price of the Duterte regime and are increasingly moving towards repression. Every day there are new reports of harassment, torture or arrest of journalists, indigenous people, and activists – in fact, anyone who dares to criticise the injustice and abuse is at risk. Having fought for the Philippines to become a key partner of the EU in the past, our group is taking a stand and calling on the EU to put the interests of the poorest and most vulnerable who are under attack first.”