MANILA, Philippines – If the Western world has so much to say about his controversial drug war, they should take the “lead role” in it, said President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, October 19.

Still smarting from what he perceives to be foreign “interference” in his anti-drug campaign, Duterte launched into a sarcastic rant against the West during a high-level Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) forum.

“If any western country is interested to do it the civilized way, then come, I am inviting you to join the fray and I would be glad to appoint you the lead role in the problem,” he said to his audience, which included ambassadors and former foreign government officials.

“Otherwise, if you cannot stop interfering, at least be educated in your assessment for, after all, all countries suffer from social problems,” he added. (READ: Duterte to UN rights chief: Shut up, we pay your salary)

Duterte complained that all dead bodies in the Philippines appear to be labeled the result of “extrajudicial killings.” (READ: UN: Duterte lacks understanding of human rights institutions)

His tirade was more civil than in past speeches, delivered more calmly and without curse words or insults. But the sarcasm was evident.

If a western country volunteers to spearhead the drug war, he would be happy to “order my soldiers and my policemen just to relax.”

In more polite language, likely due to the presence of ambassadors in the room, Duterte asked the West to respect Philippine sovereignty.

“I would like to address myself now to the West. Please do not impose your will on us. Do not derogate our sovereignty by lecturing on us,” he said.

While his government’s implementation of his drug war may not be to the satisfaction of his critics, “there are things that we have to do because we have to do it,” he said. (READ: Duterte to foreign reporter: I don’t care about int’l criticism)

Duterte again challenged countries concerned with human rights violations in the Philippines to lodge a complaint with the United Nations. (READ: Duterte foreign policy: Independent but isolated) – Rappler.com