Da Nang, Viet Nam — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday, November 9, said he is eyeing discussions among world leaders on how to protect the people against human rights violations.
“We should have a summit only on human rights. But we should call all,” the President said in a media interview following his meeting with the Filipino community here.
Duterte cited various cases of human rights violations such as bombings which affects children and schools, among others.
“So let’s have a summit of how we can protect the human rights for all human race,” he said.
“Let us investigate all violations of human rights committed by all governments,” the President added.
Duterte said he would consult other world leaders regarding his proposed meeting.
In the discussions, the President said all victims of human rights violations would be invited to come and air their gripe or grievances.
Among the resource persons that might be invited are lawyers and medical experts, he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive gave assurance that government troops are prepared to counter security threats during the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings that will be held in Manila and Clark from November 10 to 14.
“I cannot tell you about the preparations, where and what. But I can tell you that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are ready to meet the challenge,” he said.
A total of 21 heads of state and government and the United Nations Secretary General are expected to arrive in the country for the meetings.
Malacañang has declared November 13 to 15 as special non-working holidays in the National Capital Region, as well as in the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga.
President Duterte is here in Viet Nam for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, where he also addressed the APEC CEO Summit as chairman of the ASEAN.
Following his engagements for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting here, President Duterte spent time with the Filipino community.
In his speech, the President reiterated his vow to Filipinos that he will protect and preserve the country.
He then discussed the Philippines’ illegal drug problem and its ill effect to Filipino families.
Duterte noted that the government has to take extreme measures, as the number of Filipino drug users reached four million.
“Biro mo, four millions Filipinos addicted. Ang ayaw ko diyan is they are reduced to slavery. To what? To a chemical called shabu. Wala na. Habang buhay na ‘yan,” he said.
There are about 200 Filipino nationals living in Da Nang and the nearby ancient cultural town of Hoi An.
Most of the Filipinos are professionals working as teachers, doctors, IT consultants, hotel and factory managers, and musicians. PND
