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The Philippines has found an ally in Japan on its war against drugs.
President Rodrigo Duterte, in a joint statement with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, on Thursday said the two countries agreed to pursue “a comprehensive approach in the war against the illegal drugs trade” during their summit meeting at the Malacañang Palace.
“As the Philippines pursues its campaign to destroy illegal drugs trade apparatus, we welcome the expressed interest of Japan to support measures to address the tremendous social cause of drug addiction, this includes rehabilitation,” Duterte said.
For his part, Abe expressed support for the country’s war against illegal drugs.
“We want to work together with the Philippines to think of relevant measures of support. For our part, Japan will tap among others, knowledge of the private sector to assist in the improvement of related facilities, formulation of treatment programs and in other areas,” the Japanese prime minister said.
At least 6,200 individuals allegedly involved in the narcotics trade have been killed under the Duterte administration’s brutal crackdown on illegal drugs.
Abe, who is in the Philippines for a two-day official visit, is expected to visit Duterte’s hometown city of Davao tomorrow.