MANILA, Philippines – Asked about the rise of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte shrugged off the phenomenon, saying it’s the result of criminals killing off other criminals.

“You add more intrigues and then they kill each other, better. Criminals kill criminals, that is not my worry,” said Duterte on Friday, September 2, during a press conference in Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

The President said this purging of criminals by other criminals is the reaction of crime or drug syndicates to the “intrigue” begun by his “war on drugs,” which involves public naming of alleged drug suspects before any court process.

“It is the extrajudicial killing of people getting rid of the criminals by their own hands,” said Duterte.

He added that he “cannot control the criminal minds” if they decide to murder one another.

However, there have been incidents that appear to be drug-related where individuals, like a 5-year-old girl and college students, with no criminal record die.

Duterte previously said he claims full responsibility for deaths that occur during anti-drugs police operations but not the extrajudicial killings.

He, however, said he has ordered government agencies to investigate these mysterious killings. The Philippine National Police has said it is investigating around 900 such killings.

Duterte defended his controverial drug war by reminding media of the effect of drug addiction on families and young Filipinos.

“You must remember that, along the way, the drug crisis hurt so many people including parents who raised their children from childhood to college,” he said.

Menacingly, he added, “Just don’t fuck with the next Filipinos…. I said do not fuck my country.” – Rappler.com