Duterte to women rebels: You ‘multiply the problem’ if you bear children

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte, who is repeatedly criticized for his anti-women remarks, said that female members of the New People’s Army should not bear children because they “multiply the problem.”

 

“Sabi ko, ‘hoy, kayong mga amazona,’ galit talaga ako, galit ako sa ganun eh. Sabi ko, ‘kung mag-rebelde lang naman kayo, wag na kayong manganak because you multiply the human problem,” Duterte said during the General Assembly of the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines Tuesday.

 

(I told the female guerrillas, I am really angry with them. I told them, don’t bear children while still with the NPA because you multiply the human problem.)

 

He said that his remark about ordering soldiers to shoot female rebels in the genitals was a threat and an insult.

 

“Sabi ko, ‘bantay kayo. Sabihin ko sa sundalo barilin ‘yung p***** ninyo.” Ganun kasimple. Mantakot or pang-insulto, if you want, kasi galit talaga ako,” Duterte said. 

 

The chief executive also said NPA rebels become “garbage” when they die. 

 

 

Women and rights organization have repeatedly slammed Duterte for his “vile remarks” toward women, saying such comments from the country’s most powerful man encourage objectification and violence against women. 

 

Duterte's officials and supporters usually dismiss such remarks as instances of "sarcasm" or part of the president's supposed humor.

 

In the same speech, he also expressed confidence that the government could quell the NPA “next year.”

 

“Maraming nag-surrender, ngayon isa-isa kong pinupuntahan. Davao, they are surrendering in droves with firearms. In the fullness of God’s time, next year, tatapusin ko talaga ito sila lahat,” Duterte said. 

 

In December last year, the president proclaimed the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, NPA, as terrorist groups.