Duterte: "I Only Kill Criminals, Not Children or the Elderly" Strong Criticism of Putin

President Duterte of the Philippines (Photo by EPA Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jung] Rodrigo Duterte, the outgoing President of the Philippines, harshly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 24th (local time). Although he had previously expressed closeness by calling President Putin an 'idol' and 'friend,' he drew a clear line after condemning the killing of innocent civilians following the invasion of Ukraine.

According to local media, he publicly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine for the first time during a broadcast speech that day. He also described Putin's invasion not as a 'special military operation' but as a full-scale war against a 'sovereign nation.'

President Duterte stated, "Many people say that Putin and I are both killers," adding, "I have long told the Filipino people that I will truly 'kill,' but I only kill criminals, not children or the elderly." He further added, "We are in two different worlds."

President Duterte, who will step down on the 30th of next month after a six-year term, led a drug crackdown that resulted in the deaths of more than 6,000 people, including minor offenders. Human rights groups claim that more casualties occurred through this campaign, which Duterte vowed to continue until his last day in office, and that innocent people, including children, have died.

Since taking office, he actively reached out to Russia and China to expand trade, investment, and military cooperation. He also visited Russia twice in 2017 and 2019 to meet President Putin. During his first visit, the schedule was shortened because while he was away with the defense minister and the military chief of staff, an armed group linked to the Islamic State (IS) besieged Marawi in southern Philippines.