Washington has expressed concern about a surge in drug-related killings since Duterte became president two months ago promising to wipe out narcotics in the Southeast Asian nation.

Asked if he would be willing to discuss human rights at his meeting with Obama on the sidelines of an East Asia summit on Sept. 6, Duterte told reporters: "Depends to what degree".

"They must understand the problem first before we talk about human rights. I would insist, listen to me: this is what the problem is, then we can talk."

Police data released on Tuesday showed that the number of drug-related killings since Duterte took office now stands at around 2,000, nearly half of them in police operations and the rest in shootings by unidentified gunmen.

Duterte, who is nicknamed "the Punisher", has been unapologetic over unleashing the police on drug users and dealers and has responded robustly to criticism from the United Nations and other countries over his campaign.

Recently he lashed out at Washington's ambassador to the Philippines, branding him a "gay son of a whore".

The White House said on Monday that Obama would raise concerns about some of Duterte's "recent statements" when the two men meet next week.

However, it said there were also important security issues for the two closely allied countries to discuss, particularly tensions over navigation in the South China Sea. China has been incensed by a ruling against its claims in the South China Sea by an international court, a case initiated by Manila.

Duterte said he would also hold talks with China, which will be represented at the Laos meeting by Premier Li Keqiang. Media reports said he would also meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.</s>Kerry calls on China, Philippines to abide by tribunal ruling on South China Sea

NEW DELHI, Aug 31 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday called on China and the Philippines to abide by an international tribunal's decision on the disputed South China Sea region.

"This is a crucial opportunity to uphold the existing rules-based international order, show respect for international law, and support regional stability and prosperity," Kerry said in an address to students on a two-day visit to New Delhi.

The remarks came ahead of a G20 summit in China on Sept 4 and 5 that is to be attended by global leaders.

Beijing wants to use the meeting in the tourist hub of Hangzhou to lay out a broad strategy for global growth, but talks are likely to be overshadowed by arguments over everything from territorial disputes to protectionism, diplomats said. (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton; Writing by Krishna N. Das; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)</s>Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday he was ready to discuss any issues with Barack Obama when they meet in Laos next week, but added that the US president must listen to him first before bringing up the question of human rights.

Washington has expressed concern about a surge in drug-related killings since Duterte became president two months ago promising to wipe out narcotics in the Southeast Asian nation.

Asked if he would be willing to discuss human rights at his meeting with Obama on the sidelines of an East Asia summit on Sep 6, Duterte told reporters: “Depends to what degree.

“They must understand the problem first before we talk about human rights. I would insist, listen to me: this is what the problem is, then we can talk.”

In a statement, the foreign ministry said the meeting would be an opportunity for the president to “communicate his advocacy to improve the peace and order situation in the country, especially towards eradicating the scourge of illicit drugs”.

Police data released on Tuesday showed that the number of drug-related killings since Duterte took office now stands at around 2,000, nearly half of them in police operations and the rest in shootings by unidentified gunmen.

Duterte has been unapologetic over unleashing the police on drug users and dealers and has responded robustly to criticism from the United Nations and other countries over his campaign.

Recently he lashed out at Washington’s ambassador to the Philippines, branding him a “gay son of a whore”.

The White House said on Monday that Obama would raise concerns about some of Duterte’s recent statements when the two meet.

However, it said there were also important security issues for the two closely allied countries to discuss, particularly tension over navigation in the South China Sea. China has been incensed by a ruling against its claims in the South China Sea by an international court, a case initiated by Manila.

The two leaders were expected to discuss ways to strengthen the security alliance after Manila allowed the US military to rotate its forces in five local air and army bases, foreign ministry spokesman Charles Jose said.

Duterte said he would also hold talks with China, which will be represented at the Laos meeting by Premier Li Keqiang. Media reports said he would also meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.</s>MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday he was ready to defend his bloody crackdown on illegal drugs, which has sparked U.S. and international concerns, when he meets with President Barack Obama on the sidelines of an Asian summit next week.

Duterte said he would demand that he be allowed to first explain the context of his crackdown before engaging Obama in a discussion of the widespread deaths. The two will meet for the first time on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Western leaders in Laos.

Nearly 1,800 suspected drug dealers and users have been killed since July 1, and U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said in Washington Monday that Obama plans to raise U.S. concerns over the killings with Duterte.

"They must understand the problem first before we talk about human rights," Duterte told a news conference. "I would insist, 'Listen to me. This is what the problem is.' Then we can talk. No problem."

Speaking at Manila's international airport, Duterte warned more than 120 Filipino workers who returned after they were laid off in Saudi Arabia to stay away from illegal drugs.

"Avoid drugs at all costs because it could cost your life too," Duterte said, adding that more than 3 million Filipinos are drug addicts.

Criticism by the U.S. government, U.N. rights experts and human rights groups over the drugs killings have provoked angry outbursts from Duterte, who, at one point, threatened to withdraw the Philippines from the U.N.

Duterte said that the world body and the U.S. have failed to prevent genocidal killings in Africa and the Middle East but criticize his crackdown, which targets hardcore criminals who destroy Philippine society.

The U.S. has expressed concern over the extrajudicial killings and urged Duterte's government to ensure law enforcement efforts comply with human rights obligations.

"We are concerned by these detentions, as well as the extrajudicial killings of individuals suspected to be involved in drug activity in the Philippines," U.S. State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said. "We strongly urge the Philippines to ensure its law enforcement efforts comply with its human rights obligations."

She added: "We believe in rule of law. We believe in due process. We believe in respect for universal human rights. We believe, fundamentally, that those aspects ensure and promote long-term security."

Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with America and has said he will chart a foreign policy that is not dependent on the U.S., his country's longtime treaty ally. Duterte has also tried to repair relations with China that have been strained over escalating territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, center, gestures with a fist bump as he poses with Overseas Filipino Workers upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, in suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. The Filipino workers were repatriated back to the country after fleeing from their jobs in the Middle East and sought shelter refuge at the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Duterte says he is ready to discuss with U.S. President Barack Obama on the sidelines of an Asian summit next week his bloody anti-drugs campaign, which has sparked Washington's concerns as the body count in the crackdown climbed alarmingly. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures with a fist bump as he poses with Overseas Filipino Workers upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016 in suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. The Filipino workers were repatriated back to the country after fleeing from their jobs in the Middle East and sought shelter refuge at the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Duterte says he is ready to discuss with U.S. President Barack Obama on the sidelines of an Asian summit next week his bloody anti-drugs campaign, which has sparked Washington's concerns as the body count in the crackdown climbed alarmingly. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)</s>The number of drug-related killings in the Philippines since Rodrigo Duterte became president two months ago on a pledge to wipe out the illegal drug trade has reached about 2,000, according to data released today.

There has been popular support for his campaign, but the wave of killings unleashed since his election victory has alarmed rights groups and brought expressions of concern from the United States, a close ally of Manila.

As officials readied a publicity campaign to explain his fight against narcotics, the Philippine National Police said that close to 900 drug traffickers and users had been killed in police operations from July 1st to August 20th. That was an increase of 141 people over a week, on average 20 people a day.

Last week the police said 1,100 other drug-related killings that were not classified as police operations were also being investigated. No new number for that category was given today but, together with the new figure for police encounters, the total came to about 2,000.

Mr Duterte won the presidency of the Southeast Asian nation in a May election on a promise to wipe out drugs.

Two UN human rights experts recently urged the Philippines to stop extra-judicial killings, drawing a furious response from Mr Duterte, who threatened to pull his country out of the UN. His foreign minister later rowed back on the threat.

Mr Duterte’s communications secretary, Martin Andanar, said on Monday that a 30-second advertisement explaining the anti-drug campaign would be aired over the next week by commercial and public TV stations and in movie theatres.

“The government is not spending a single centavo on these ads and TV stations are carrying them for free,” Mr Andanar told reporters at an event in a Manila hotel.

He said his office would also publish a 40-page pamphlet to explain the rising body count. This would be issued on the president’s first trip abroad next week, first to Brunei and then to an East Asia summit in Laos.

“Some people abroad have to understand why many people are getting killed in the anti-drug campaign. They must understand, this is a war and there are casualties,” Mr Andanar said.

“The pamphlet will inform and explain that the government was not killing people at random, that these killings are not extrajudicial in nature but as part of the anti-crime campaign. Some of those killed were police officers who are involved in criminal activities.”

The White House said on Monday that US president Barack Obama is expected to meet Mr Duterte in Laos on September 6th, and plans to touch on human rights as well as security concerns.

Mr Duterte’s crackdown on drugs and some strongly worded criticism he has made of the US present a dilemma for Washington, which has been seeking to forge unity among allies and partners in Asia in the face of an increasingly assertive China, especially in the strategic South China Sea.

There have been few signs in the Philippines itself of a backlash against the war on drugs.

However, today a newly formed group called the “Stop the Killings Network” announced a #Lightforlife campaign that would start with simultaneous candle-lighting events on Wednesday evening at six venues across Manila.</s>Philippines' Duterte: Obama must listen to me on human rights

MANILA, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday he was ready to discuss any issues with Barack Obama when they meet in Laos next week, but added that the U.S. president must listen to him first before bringing up the question of human rights.

Washington has expressed concern about a surge in drug-related killings since Duterte became president two months ago promising to wipe out narcotics in the Southeast Asian nation.

Asked if he would be willing to discuss human rights at his meeting with Obama on the sidelines of an East Asia summit on Sept. 6, Duterte told reporters: "Depends to what degree".

"They must understand the problem first before we talk about human rights. I would insist, listen to me: this is what the problem is, then we can talk."

Police data released on Tuesday showed that the number of drug-related killings since Duterte took office now stands at around 2,000, nearly half of them in police operations and the rest in shootings by unidentified gunmen.

Duterte, who is nicknamed "the Punisher", has been unapologetic over unleashing the police on drug users and dealers and has responded robustly to criticism from the United Nations and other countries over his campaign.

Recently he lashed out at Washington's ambassador to the Philippines, branding him a "gay son of a whore".

The White House said on Monday that Obama would raise concerns about some of Duterte's "recent statements" when the two men meet next week.

However, it said there were also important security issues for the two closely allied countries to discuss, particularly tensions over navigation in the South China Sea. China has been incensed by a ruling against its claims in the South China Sea by an international court, a case initiated by Manila.

Duterte said he would also hold talks with China, which will be represented at the Laos meeting by Premier Li Keqiang. Media reports said he would also meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Writing by John Chalmers; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Michael Perry)</s>Philippines' Duterte: Obama must listen to me on human rights

MANILA, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday he was ready to discuss any issues with Barack Obama when they meet in Laos next week, but added that the U.S. president must listen to him first before bringing up the question of human rights.

Washington has expressed concern about a surge in drug-related killings since Duterte became president two months ago promising to wipe out narcotics in the Southeast Asian nation.

Asked if he would be willing to discuss human rights at his meeting with Obama on the sidelines of an East Asia summit on Sept. 6, Duterte told reporters: "Depends to what degree".

"They must understand the problem first before we talk about human rights. I would insist, listen to me: this is what the problem is, then we can talk."</s>WASHINGTON, Aug 29 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to meet with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Sept. 6, and plans to touch on human rights as well as security concerns, the White House said on Monday.

"We absolutely expect that the president will raise concerns about some of the recent statements from the president of the Philippines," White House Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes told a media briefing when asked whether inflammatory remarks by Duterte about women, journalists and others would be a topic of discussion.

Rhodes said, however, that there were important security issues to cover as well, particularly tensions over navigation in the South China Sea. China has been incensed by a ruling against its claims in the South China Sea by an international court, a case initiated by Manila.

The expected meeting between Obama and Duterte would take place in Laos, where the two leaders will be attending a summit of leaders from Pacific Rim nations. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Writing by Tim Ahmann; Editing by Chris Reese and Andrew Hay)</s>Washington has expressed concern about a surge in drug-related killings since Duterte became president two months ago promising to wipe out narcotics in the Southeast Asian nation.

Asked if he would be willing to discuss human rights at his meeting with Obama on the sidelines of an East Asia summit on Sept. 6, Duterte told reporters: "Depends to what degree.

"They must understand the problem first before we talk about human rights. I would insist, listen to me: this is what the problem is, then we can talk."

In a statement, the foreign ministry said the meeting would be an opportunity for the president to "communicate his advocacy to improve the peace and order situation in the country, especially toward eradicating the scourge of illicit drugs".

Police data released on Tuesday showed that the number of drug-related killings since Duterte took office now stands at around 2,000, nearly half of them in police operations and the rest in shootings by unidentified gunmen.

Duterte has been unapologetic over unleashing the police on drug users and dealers and has responded robustly to criticism from the United Nations and other countries over his campaign.

Recently he lashed out at Washington's ambassador to the Philippines, branding him a "gay son of a whore".

The White House said on Monday that Obama would raise concerns about some of Duterte's recent statements when the two meet.

However, it said there were also important security issues for the two closely allied countries to discuss, particularly tension over navigation in the South China Sea. China has been incensed by a ruling against its claims in the South China Sea by an international court, a case initiated by Manila.

The two leaders were expected to discuss ways to strengthen the security alliance after Manila allowed the U.S. military to rotate its forces in five local air and army bases, foreign ministry spokesman Charles Jose said.

Duterte said he would also hold talks with China, which will be represented at the Laos meeting by Premier Li Keqiang. Media reports said he would also meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.</s>The number of drug-related killings in the Philippines since Rodrigo Duterte became president two months ago on a pledge to wipe out the illegal drug trade has reached about 2,000, according to data released today.

There has been popular support for his campaign, but the wave of killings unleashed since his election victory has alarmed rights groups and brought expressions of concern from the United States, a close ally of Manila.

As officials readied a publicity campaign to explain his fight against narcotics, the Philippine National Police said that close to 900 drug traffickers and users had been killed in police operations from July 1st to August 20th. That was an increase of 141 people over a week, on average 20 people a day.

Last week the police said 1,100 other drug-related killings that were not classified as police operations were also being investigated. No new number for that category was given today but, together with the new figure for police encounters, the total came to about 2,000.

Mr Duterte won the presidency of the Southeast Asian nation in a May election on a promise to wipe out drugs.

Two UN human rights experts recently urged the Philippines to stop extra-judicial killings, drawing a furious response from Mr Duterte, who threatened to pull his country out of the UN. His foreign minister later rowed back on the threat.

Mr Duterte’s communications secretary, Martin Andanar, said on Monday that a 30-second advertisement explaining the anti-drug campaign would be aired over the next week by commercial and public TV stations and in movie theatres.

“The government is not spending a single centavo on these ads and TV stations are carrying them for free,” Mr Andanar told reporters at an event in a Manila hotel.

He said his office would also publish a 40-page pamphlet to explain the rising body count. This would be issued on the president’s first trip abroad next week, first to Brunei and then to an East Asia summit in Laos.

“Some people abroad have to understand why many people are getting killed in the anti-drug campaign. They must understand, this is a war and there are casualties,” Mr Andanar said.

“The pamphlet will inform and explain that the government was not killing people at random, that these killings are not extrajudicial in nature but as part of the anti-crime campaign. Some of those killed were police officers who are involved in criminal activities.”

The White House said on Monday that US president Barack Obama is expected to meet Mr Duterte in Laos on September 6th, and plans to touch on human rights as well as security concerns.

Mr Duterte’s crackdown on drugs and some strongly worded criticism he has made of the US present a dilemma for Washington, which has been seeking to forge unity among allies and partners in Asia in the face of an increasingly assertive China, especially in the strategic South China Sea.

There have been few signs in the Philippines itself of a backlash against the war on drugs.

However, today a newly formed group called the “Stop the Killings Network” announced a #Lightforlife campaign that would start with simultaneous candle-lighting events on Wednesday evening at six venues across Manila.
Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte says he would not press on for China to abide by the South China Sea ruling but he might do so in the future.