During the press conference for the Philippine Red Cross’ partnership with drone delivery service Zipline, lead vocalist of U2 Bono conveyed a ‘soft message’ for President Rodrigo Duterte regarding human rights.
According to Bono, human rights are critical and thus he praised the hospitality of Filipinos but reminded the President that he cannot compromise human rights even if it is allegedly in the name of progress.
Bono said, “I am a member of Amnesty International, I have been all my life, and I think human rights are critical. My impression of the Philippines is very caring, very sophisticated people. I understand that when progress is made, sometimes people make what they think are compromises for that progress.”
He continued his soft message for Duterte: “And I would just say, you can’t compromise on human rights. That’s my soft message to President Duterte.”
Bono of U2 says he doesn't have plans to visit President Rodrigo Duterte; gives his take on the human rights situation in the PHL @gmanews pic.twitter.com/63Xj4kbTul
— Margaret Claire Layug (@MClaireLayug) December 10, 2019
Duterte’s war on drugs has killed over 6,000 alleged users as well as dealers who allegedly fought back during the arrests. He has called for a shoot-to-kill policy on possible suspects without due process.
Duterte has said, “My order is shoot to kill you. I don’t care about human rights, you better believe me. I’ll really have you killed. Look at what you’re doing to the Philippines and I’ll forgive you?”
Meanwhile, U2 is set to have their first concert in Manila, Philippines, on December 11, 2019 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. The Irish superstar rock band arrived in the Philippines from Seoul, South Korea and they were spotted having dinner Margarita Fores’ restaurant in Rockwell last Monday, December 9, 2019.
