He says that would punish them for fighting the government

Human rights watchdogs and women's groups have criticised his attitude.

Human Rights Watch says this is the latest in a series of "misogynist, derogatory and demeaning statements he has made about women".

"It encourages state forces to commit sexual violence during armed conflict.Duterte made the threat in a speech this month.

In a government transcript he said Philippine soldiers should not kill women rebel fighters.

"We will just shoot your private parts, so that if there are no more private parts, you would be useless."

Duterte delivered the speech in his native Visayan, a language spoken in central and southern Philippines.

The president also criticised female soldiers for leaving their children and families to join the communist movement.

Emmi de Jesus, a Congress member representing the Gabriela Women's Party, denounced Duterte's "nasty remark".

She says it contributes to the culture of "impunity" in the country.

De Jesus says the president further confirms himself as the most dangerous macho-fascist in the government.

She says it pushes soldiers to commit more human rights violations.

Duterte has been under fire several times for making misogynistic comments.

In India last month, he said that he'd like to attract visitors to the Philippines by offering "42 virgins".

In July 2017, he made rape jokes while talking about Miss Universe.

Two months earlier, Duterte told his soldiers fighting Muslim rebels that they could rape up to three women without getting punished.

It's all humour

Duterte's spokesperson, defended the president's comments, saying critics should lighten up.

"You know, sometimes, these feminists are a bit OA," Roque said using the Filipino term to mean over-acting.

The Communist Party of the Philippines launched a rebellion in 1968 that has so far claimed the lives of more than 30,000 people.

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Monsignor Chris Manongas, administrator of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, said Father Michael Ufana was taken by MNLF gunmen from his parents' house.

"They were not able to leave. The [MNLF] took over the house. That's how it happened," he said.

The Mindanao Human Rights Action Center corroborated the report, citing an eyewitness who saw the taking of Ufana. Police officials confirmed Ufana was taken hostage.

Another Catholic priest, whose name was not released for security reasons, was also trapped in one of the villages taken over by the MNLF.

Manongas told ucanews.com he was able to talk with the second priest over the phone. "He is inside the church with some refugees. He said they have no food and water," said Manongas.

"[We are] having difficulty penetrating the place because it is cordoned off by the military. It is very dangerous because the fighting is around the church."

Thousands of refugees, most of them Muslims from five villages taken over by MNLF fighters, have sought shelter in three churches in the area.

The MNLF is demanding independence from the Philippine government.

Sources

UCA News

GMA News

Sun.Star

Image: UCA News