Duterte to US: Count us out of your wars

President Duterte lashed out against the United States of America anew, saying that the Philippines will no longer participate in their wars and expeditions.

Duterte made the statement during the 39th Commencement Exercises of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) "Maragtas" Class of 2018 in Silang, Cavite Wednesday.

The President, in his speech, pointed out how the US seems to always demand other countries to participate in their expeditions.

"In the so many wars in the Middle East at the behest of the Americans, I don’t know why. For example, the Iraq war of Bush, the first and the second, they always demand that they participate in the expeditions," Duterte said.

"The last time I remember na (where) we sent about 702 suffered casualty. Tatlo ang medyo ewan ko (There are three, I don't know about them now) but maybe there are still around wounded," he added.

The President said that the Philippines gained nothing from joining the wars of the US and said that they cannot expect the country to participate anymore.

"I’m addressing America right now, whatever expeditions that you will conduct, any wars that you will fight in any other countries, count us out," Duterte said.

"Wala kaming nakuha (We gained nothing from you) [after] all these years of sacrifice except brutality and agony. We will stand on our own," he added.

The President said that he will not compromise the country's dignity over some aid that the US is sending the Philippines.

"And we will never beg for any help. Sometimes it could mean really the dignity of the people," Duterte said.

"We have been enslaved by two countries in succession — Spaniards for 400 years and the Americans for 50 years. Tama na po ‘yon (That is enough already). You have had your fill, do not ask for more," he added.