Infamous Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is back in the headlines and this time it is for likening himself to the Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, while talking about combating drug abuse in his country.
In a speech that President Duterte gave on his arrival in Davao City after his visit to Vietnam, the leader said that he is being portrayed as "some cousin of Hitler" by his critics. He further called the audience's attention to how Hitler murdered millions of Jews and added that he would not mind dolling out similar punishments to the millions of drug peddlers in the Philippines.
"There are three million drug addicts (in the Philippines). I'd be happy to slaughter them," he said, before adding, "If Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have...[me]," pointing at himself. To further clarify his stand on drug abuse, Duterte said "You know my victims. I would like (them) to be all criminals to finish the problem of my country and save the next generation from perdition."
When Duterte was voted to power back in May, he had taken a vow to end drugs and corruption in Philippines. Since June 30 over 3,100 people have been killed in police operations and in vigilante killings, most of whom are drug users and peddlers.
Duterte is known for his unusual tactics and politically incorrect statements. Earlier in September reports suggest that he called his American counterpart Barack Obama "son of a b****." He did later apologise for the remark and even met with the US President to bury the hatchet.
