GABRIELA Women’s Party on Sunday, Feb. 11, called President Rodrigo R. Duterte “the most dangerous macho-fascist in the government right now” following his speech last Wednesday, Feb. 7, wherein he narrated an exchange in which he tells government troops to shoot female members of the New People’s Army (NPA) “in the vagina.” Gabriela Representative Emmi A. de Jesus said in a statement. “He has further presented himself as the epitome of misogyny and fascism terribly rolled in one.” Speaking to an audience of former members of the communist NPA in Malacañang, Mr. Duterte said: “They will say ‘Okay, how many people are dead?’ ‘Three.’ ‘What?’ ‘Three.’ ‘Son of a b****, don’t lose.’ ‘Are there any women holding guns?’ ‘Sir, she’s a fighter. An amazona.’ ‘Shoot the….’” The statement earned laughter from the audience. Ms. De Jesus said such a statement from the country’s leader encourages the military “to commit more bloody human rights violations and grave abuses of international humanitarian law, and takes state terrorism against women and the people to a whole new level.” She added, ”They should expect more women to speak up and reject this style of macho-fascist leadership. We cannot just take these vile remarks sitting down.” — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR