Trudeau says he raised issue of extrajudicial killings with Duterte

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday said he raised the issue of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in the Philippines with President Rodrigo Duterte.

During a press briefing at the International Media Center, Trudeau said he had an opporunity to talk to Duterte before the ASEAN-Canada 40th Anniversary Commemorative Summit.

Trudeau said he was able to emphasize “people-to-people ties” between Canada and the Philippines.

“But I also mentioned human rights, rule of law, and specifically, extrajudicial killings as being an issue Canada is concerned with,” he added.

Trudeau said it should not be a surprise that he raised the controversial issues as Canada has earned a reputation for having discussions on rule of law and human rights firmly.

Asked how Duterte responded, Trudeau said: “Duterte was receptive of my comments. Throughout, it was a cordial and positive exchange.”

Duterte’s critics have lambasted his administration over the alleged human rights violations and EJKs amid the government’s war on drugs. —ALG, GMA News