Philippines' Duterte tells Obama to 'go to hell'
- Published
The war games are aimed at improving readiness to respond to crisis and deepen ties, the US military said
US President Barack Obama can "go to hell" over his criticism of the Philippines' brutal war against drugs, President Rodrigo Duterte says.
The European Union - another critic - "better choose purgatory, hell is filled up", Mr Duterte said.
The remarks came as the US and the Philippines began joint military exercises. The US said there was a "strong alliance" with the Philippines.
Mr Duterte's drugs war has caused thousands of extrajudicial killings.
In a speech to local officials and business executives Mr Duterte said he was disappointed with the US for criticising the Philippines' tactics to combat the drug trade. He also described Washington as an unreliable ally.
"Instead of helping us, the first to criticise is this state department, so you can go to hell, Mr Obama, you can go to hell."
Later on Tuesday he warned: "Eventually I might, in my time, I will break up with America. I would rather go to Russia and to China.''
Mr Duterte also revealed that the US had refused to sell weapons to Manila, but added that he would be able to buy them elsewhere.
"If you don't want to sell arms, I'll go to Russia. I sent the generals to Russia and Russia said, 'Do not worry, we have everything you need, we'll give it to you'.
"And as for China, they said, 'Just come over and sign and everything will be delivered'," President Duterte said.
In response to his comments, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said: "This is an alliance that is robust and that benefits both of our countries. The diplomatic lines of communication between the United States and the Philippines remain open.
"Even as we protect this strong alliance, the administration and the United States of America will not hesitate to raise our concerns about extra-judicial killings.
"We have not yet received any sort of formal communication using those channels from the Filipino government about making substantial changes to our bilateral relationship."
The Philippines, once a colony of the US, has a longstanding defence relationship with Washington.
But Mr Duterte said last week these would be the last joint military exercises while he is in office, although later his defence secretary said there was no official order yet to that effect.
He also said he would review a defence pact signed two years ago with the US that would see more US troops sent to the Philippines.
The pact is seen as vital for the US to counter China's activities in the South China Sea.
Activists demonstrated outside the US embassy in Manila against the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the US and the Philippines
More than 1,100 US troops are taking part in the war games
The eight-day military drills involve 1,100 American troops and 400 Filipino military personnel, and are taking place on northern Luzon island.
They are aimed at improving readiness to respond to crises and deepening historic ties, the US military said.
Relations were strained last month when the US cancelled a bilateral meeting after Mr Duterte used insulting language to refer to the US president.
- Published9 May 2022
- Published6 September 2016
- Published8 September 2016
