Philippines President slams UN for interfering in drug war

Manila, Aug 18 (IANS) Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte slammed the UN and called it "stupid" for opposing his controversial war against drugs that has claimed more than 1,000 lives, authorities said on Thursday.

The president, who won by a wide margin last May, said he would continue his radical anti-drug campaign despite criticism from the international organisation, EFE news reported.

"Why would the UN be so easily swayed into interfering in the affairs of this republic? There are only 1,000 deaths," Duterte said on Wednesday night.

UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon condemned the anti-drug campaign initiated in the Philippines saying Duterte's support for extrajudicial killings are "illegal and a breach of fundamental rights and freedoms."

According to the data provided by Duterte's administration office, the number of drug addicts in the Philippines amounts to 3.7 million.

Duterte, 71, who was sworn in on June 30 rejected international criticism and replied that "I do not care about" human rights and the death toll because it is a necessary measure to protect the rest of Filipinos.

Despite the violent campaign, Duterte remains popular. A survey showed that 91 per cent of Filipinos trust the President.