Duterte ‘bothered, troubled’ by drug-related killings

President Rodrigo Duterte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

MANILA — President Duterte is not pleased with the spiralling drug-related killings in the country, according to Malacañang.

In fact, Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said on Tuesday that the President has expressed the same concern of several groups and individuals who were alarmed by the extrajudicial killings spawned by the government’s bloody war against illegal drugs.

“I don’t think he’s happy about it (killings). I don’t think happiness is the right word to use,” Abella told a news briefing in Malacañang.

“I think he’s very concerned and, in fact, bothered and troubled,” he added. “He’s deeply and profoundly concerned.”

Nonetheless, the Palace spokesperson said  Duterte recognized the fact that the murders had raised public awareness about the “depth and breadth” of the country’s drug problem.

As of Aug. 8, the INQUIRER’S “Kill List” placed at 564 the number of individuals killed in police operations and vigilante attacks since the President was sworn in on June 30.  SFM/rga