Rody to Trudeau: I follow UN rights
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – He respects human rights, incoming president Rodrigo Duterte has reassured Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Trudeau became the latest world leader to congratulate Duterte, calling up on Wednesday night to reaffirm Canada’s support for the Philippines and its commitment to human rights.
“I’m following it,” Duterte said, referring to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. “I said that we are partners. May we remain partners for all time.”
Duterte said the call, which lasted for about 10 minutes, gave him the opportunity to personally apologize to Trudeau for the beheading of Canadian mining executive John Ridsdel by Abu Sayyaf terrorists last month.
“We will try our very best and see to it that it will never happen again, and rest assured that the time comes we will be able to apprehend the criminals and exact justice,” Duterte revealed as having promised Trudeau.
He said his administration would work hard to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf, which still holds several local and foreign hostages including another Canadian, as soon as he assumes office on June 30.
The president-in-waiting also discussed with Trudeau the continued protection and welfare of thousands of Filipinos working in Canada.
Earlier, US Barack Obama also congratulated Duterte in a brief phone call.
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