BRUSSELS, Feb 14 (KUNA) -- The Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group in the European Parliament welcomed Wednesday a recent decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open preliminary examinations into the very worrying human rights situation in the Philippines .
The EP's second-largest political group also strongly condemned Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's latest anti-women fighters statements, which encourage human rights violations.
Elena Valenciano, S&D vice-president responsible for foreign affairs and human rights, said in a statement that "we strongly condemn Rodrigo Duterte's shameful statement about women fighters." "The international community cannot turn a blind eye to the ongoing human rights violations against the poor, children, journalists and human rights defenders in the Philippines. It is time to act," she said.
Soraya Post, S&D spokesperson for human rights, added that "we welcome the decision of the International Criminal Court to open preliminary examinations into the very worrying situation in the Philippines." "Reports documenting alleged crimes committed in the context of the 'war on drugs' launched by the Duterte government are extremely disturbing. Thousands of persons are believed to have been killed in a wave of illegal, extra-judicial executions during police anti-drug operations," Soraya said. (end) nk.rk