James Taylor cancels Manila show over drug-related killings

Award-winning singer-songwriter James Taylor announced Wednesday his decision to cancel the Manila leg of his tour next year over the spate of drug-related killings in the Philippines.

In a statement posted on his official social media accounts and website, Taylor said recent reports of drug-related killings "are deeply concerning and unacceptable," hence pushing him to "make a political stand."

"I've been eagerly looking forward to playing for my Philippine audience ever since we added Manila to our tour of the Pacific this coming February. So it saddens me to cancel our concert there. I don't think of my music as being particularly political but sometimes one is called upon to make a political stand," he said.

"The scourge of addiction is a worldwide problem and does serious harm, not only to the addict but to our society. For a sovereign nation to prosecute and punish, under the law, those responsible for the illegal trade in drugs is, of course, understandable, even commendable," he added. 

He went on: "[B]ut recent reports from the Philippines of summary executions of suspected offenders without trial or judicial process are deeply concerning and unacceptable to anyone who loves the rule of law."

Taylor, known for hits including "You've Got a Friend," "Fire and Rain," "Your Smiling Face," and "Carolina in My Mind," has been open about his drug addiction early in his career.

His concert was scheduled February 25, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, as part of his "Before This World" tour. 

The singer extended his apologies to those who have bought tickets to the show, and assured them of a full refund.

"I offer my heartfelt apologies for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause my Filipino friends but I must now announce that I will not be performing in Manila this February. All tickets sold will, of course, be fully refunded. I am grateful to my promoter, Renen de Guia, for his patience and understanding," he said.

Taylor said cancelling his Manila stop "will, in no way, affect" the other legs of his tour, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.

Concert producer/promoter Ovation Productions has confirmed the cancellation on its Facebook page.

Latest data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) show that 2,124 drug suspects have been killed in police operations from July 1 to December 18.

Some 41,575 drug personalities have been arrested during operation during the same period, while 940,803 have surrendered, majority of which are drug users.

The PNP has also reported that a total of 4,049 killings in 3,717 incidents from July 1 to December 15 that have been included in its list of deaths under investigation.

Nearly 3,000 of these deaths are still under probe, while 789 investigations, or 21.23 percent, have been concluded. —ALG, GMA News