WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - The United States on Monday expressed concern about reports of extra-judicial drug killings in the Philippines and urged President Rodrigo Duterte's government to ensure that law-enforcement efforts "comply with its human rights obligation".
The State Department comment followed the release of Philippines police figures showing there have been about 1,800 drug-related killings since President Duterte took office seven weeks ago and launched a war on narcotics, far higher than previously believed.
"We are concerned by reports regarding extra-judicial killings of individuals suspected to have been involved in drug crimes in the Philippines," State Department spokeswoman Anna Richey-Allen said.
"The United States believes in the rule of law, due process, and respect for universal human rights, and that these principles promote long-term security."