Duterte 'happy to slaughter' drug addicts like Hitler massacred Jews

"Hitler massacred three million Jews. Now, there are three million drug addicts ... I'd be happy to slaughter them," Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said on his ongoing bloody crackdown against drug-peddlers and addicts in the country.

The number of drug-related killings has been rising in the Philippines, thanks to Duterte's so-called "war on drugs", and the tough-talking leader indicated he has no intention of scaling down his anti-narcotic campaign.

Speaking to reporters on his arrival at Davao City after wrapping up his Vietnam visit, the Filipino president, who is nicknamed "The Punisher", added: "At least if Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have ... You know my victims, I would like to be, all criminals, to finish the problem of my country and save the next generation from perdition."

During his three-month reign, more than 3,000 people have been killed and critics have been pointing out his disregard for human rights. Close to 2,000 of them, mostly pushers and addicts, are said to have lost their lives in extrajudicial killings while others have been killed by security forces. The war against drugs has been at the centre-stage of Duterte's rule since he officially took charge on 30 June.

When asked about the criticism he faces, Duterte shot back in an apparent swipe at the European Union over its refugee policies: "You close your doors. It's winter time. There are migrants escaping from the Middle East. You allow them to rot and you're worried about the deaths of about one thousand, or two thousand, or three thousand?"

On comments emerging from US authorities, he responded: "Do not interfere in our affairs. Why are you shooting Black people? There is a proper way. Do not shoot him," adding that his critics are "pea-brained idiots".

Duterte's latest remarks add to a long list of abrasive comments he has made, both before and after assuming the presidential office.