MANILA, Philippines - A US-based group yesterday urged President Duterte to withdraw a call for police to shoot human rights activists “obstructing justice.”Human Rights Watch (HRW), an international rights watchdog, said the President’s order places all members of the country’s human rights community in grave danger. If they (are members of human rights organizations) obstructing justice, you shoot them.”“President Duterte’s threats against human rights activists is like painting a target on the backs of courageous people working to protect the rights and upholding the dignity of all Filipinos, Kine said. “Duterte is on notice that his death threat against human rights advocates could pave the way for prosecution for crimes against humanity,” Kine said. He added the President’s assault on accountability highlights an urgent need for a United Nations-led international investigation of his drug-war slaughter. Speaking at the 19th founding anniversary of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption in Malacañang last week, President Duterte, expressed anew his frustrations over human rights groups’ quick condemnation against him and his brutal war against illegal drugs and directed the police to shoot members of human rights group if they are obstructing justice.

Source: Philippine Star August 19, 2017 16:07 UTC