US defers Philippine aid decision, troubled by extrajudicial killings

It is the latest sign of strain in US-Philippine relations since president Rodrigo Duterte launched a violent anti-drug campaign that has resulted in thousands of deaths in police gunbattles.

WASHINGTON // In the latest sign of strains between Washington and Manila, the US is deferring a decision on a major aid package to the Philippines amid distaste over the nation’s leader boast ing bout how he personally went after criminals to kill them. The US-government aid agency, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, said that a vote on a renewing development assistance for the Philippines was postponed, “subject to a further review of concerns around rule of law and civil liberties”

Thousands have died since President Rodrigo Duterte launched a violent anti-drug campaign. On Monday, he revealed that as mayor of the city of Davao, he would patrol on a motorcycle “really looking for an encounter to be able to kill” to set an example for the police.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said: “Those comments are deeply troubling, and they certainly are at odds with the Philippine government’s stated commitment to due process and rule of law.”

Criticism of alleged extrajudicial killings by or at the behest of Philippine government authorities has angered Mr Duterte, prompting him to turn away from the US and towards China and Russia since taking office in June.

* Associated Press