Pubdate: Wed, 10 Aug 2016
Source: Philippine Star (Philippines)
Copyright: PhilSTAR Daily Inc. 2016
Contact:  http://www.philstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/622
Author: Jose Katigbak

US SUMMONS PHL ENVOY OVER DUTERTE'S REMARKS

WASHINGTON - The US State Department summoned Philippine embassy 
Charge d'Affaires Patrick Chuasoto on Monday to seek clarification of 
what it said were "inappropriate remarks" made by President Duterte 
against US Ambassador Philip Goldberg.

Elizabeth Trudeau, director of the State Department press office, 
said Chuasoto was called in for an explanation of Duterte's remarks 
but declined to give further details.

Duterte has openly called Goldberg "gay" and "a son of a bitch."

Duterte's dislike for Goldberg dates back to the campaign period when 
the diplomat called him out for making a joke about the rape and 
murder of an Australian missionary during a 1989 Davao City prison riot.

At a news conference, Trudeau said the State Department was concerned 
about the extrajudicial killings of suspected drug dealers urged the 
Duterte administration to ensure law enforcement efforts do not 
violate human rights.

She said US officials were in discussions with Filipino authorities 
to emphasize the importance of the rule of law, a fundamental 
democratic principle.

"We strongly urge the Philippines to ensure its law enforcement 
efforts comply with its human rights obligations," she said.

In reply to a query, she said a $32-million assistance package 
announced by Secretary of State John Kerry during a recent visit to 
Manila to support the Duterte administration's intensified law 
enforcement efforts was meant to promote human rights through 
training as well as promote professionalism, due process and rule of 
law. The money should not be used in activities involving 
extrajudicial killings, she said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom