There's currently a strict lockdown in the Philippines on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, and president Rodrigo Duterte has threatened violence against those who defy the orders to stay indoors. Demonstrators clashed with police in the streets of Manila during a protest on Wednesday, which prompted Duterte to order police to shoot protesters.
"I will not hesitate. My orders are to the police and military, as well as village officials, if there is any trouble, or occasions where there's violence and your lives are in danger, shoot them dead," he said when he addressed the nation on TV this week, CBS reports. "Do not intimidate the government. Do not challenge the government. You will lose." Protesters had taken to the streets to demand more supplies, with many saying they had not received any food since the lockdown kicked off two weeks ago.
Filipino officials attempted to calm civilians following his remarks, however. "Probably the president just overemphasized on implementing the law in this time of crisis," said Philippine National Police Chief Archie Gamboa, stating him and his colleagues had not been instructed to kill protesters on sight. The local government has denied that protesters clashed with authorities, although 20 people were reportedly arrested after they defied orders to go home. As of Friday, the Philippines has over 3,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with 136 deaths.
Duterte has previously garnered criticism for similar tactics in the past. The Philippine drug war, which has been ongoing since 2016, saw Duterte instruct not just police, but members of the public to kill drug addicts and criminals.
