Duterte defends crime crackdown

Manila, July 25 

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte vowed big reforms to tackle chronic economic flaws on Monday and defended his pursuit of a deadly anti-narcotics war, saying drugs were drowning his country and human rights were no excuse to shield criminals.

Just a month into his presidency, Duterte used his inaugural State of the Nation Address to warn the public to steer clear of drug use, the scale of which was "staggering and scary" and promised no relenting in his crackdown. 

Nicknamed "the punisher" and "Duterte Harry" for his brutal fight against crime, Duterte hit back at activists incensed by a surge in the killing of suspected drug traffickers, saying human rights should protect dignity, not let criminals destroy the country.

"There will be no let up in this campaign. Double your efforts. Triple them if need be," Rodrigo Duterte said.

“We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier and the last pusher have surrendered or put behind bars. Or below the ground if they so wish.” Duterte did not mention the number of suspected drugs dealers killed during his efforts but police have logged 240 deaths related to the trade since he took office, although other estimates are higher.

His address was widely anticipated and the buildup dominated by promises by his aides of a rousing speech that would stir patriotism.

But, as has become typical of the Duterte's unconventional style, after 30 minutes reading from a teleprompter, he started to ignore it and veered far off script, attracting both applause and laughter.

A speech expected to last approximately 40 minutes went on for one hour and 32 minutes. — Reuters