FOREIGN AFFAIRS Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano defended the Philippine government’s drug war before the United Nations (UN) on Saturday (New York time), saying this campaign was meant to “save lives, preserve families, protect communities and stop the country from sliding into a narco-state.”

Addressing the 72nd General Assembly of the United Nations, Mr. Cayetano also said in part that “the most basic human rights, to life and safety, are constantly under attack — from terrorism, criminality, drug and human trafficking.”

Mr. Cayetano also called for a respect for Philippine sovereignty — which President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s government has asserted before international criticism of its drug war, but which his critics too have raised in connection with the Philippines’ maritime issues with China.

“The Philippines expects its sovereignty to be respected, and that its democratically elected government’s assessment of threats and how to go about addressing them shall be accorded preeminence among nations — or at least the benefit of their doubt,” Mr. Cayetano said in his speech.

He also reported to the world body: “The Philippines integrates the human rights agenda in its development initiatives for the purpose of protecting everyone, especially the most vulnerable, from lawlessness, violence, and anarchy.”

Mr. Cayetano added: “Accusation before investigation is not proof. Nor is it fair. Abuses have occurred and mistakes have been made, tragic ones for sure.”

“While one abuse is one too many, still the abuses are far less than the imaginary numbers of partisan accusers and publicity seekers.”

“We should never tolerate human rights abuses but neither should we tolerate misinformation, fake news, and politicization of human rights, for these undermine our collective efforts as the United Nations to uphold the universality of human rights and dignity of human life.” — Mario M. Banzon

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