US-Philippines ties strong despite Duterte's remarks, says Palace

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and United States' relations remain strong and solid despite President Rodrigo Duterte's remarks over what he calls as the United States' intrusion in domestic issues, Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said Friday.

"We just like to say that we're open to the opinions and positions of certain governments. But... we'd also like to reiterate that the relationship between the US and the Philippines remains basically solid and we do have a good relationship," Abella said.

Duterte last weekend hit back at the US which expressed concern over recent extrajudicial killings in the country.

"Why are you Americans killing the black people there, shooting them down when they are already on the ground?" he asked. "Answer that question, because even if it's just one or two or three, it is still human rights violations."

Abella on Friday was asked to react to the latest statement of US Department of State spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau, who reiterated that the two countries' relationship remains strong despite deep concern over reports of extrajudicial killings in the country. 

READ: US to Philippines: Comply with rights obligations

"As we've said both publicly and as we've engaged with our very good partners, the Philippines, we've spoken about these reports of extrajudicial killings," Trudeau said.

According to the official, the US government is "deeply concerned about these reports by—extrajudicial killings by or at the behest of government authorities of individuals who are suspected to have been in drug activity in the Philippines."

"We have also made our concerns known," she added.

Still no candidate for ambassador to US

Abella, meanwhile, revealed that the president is still scouting for a good candidate to become the Philippine ambassador to the United States to fill in the vacancy left by Jose Cuisia, Jr., who has finished his term of duty.

Abella said the president has extended the offer to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, whose post will also be left vacant if he accepts.

Since President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's defense chief Gilbert Teodoro declined to retake the post, Abella said the president is still in the process of looking for the new Philippine ambassador to the US.