Filipino Covid jab refusers warned they’ll be injected with pig medicine or jailed – World News
People who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid could be thrown in jail or have medication meant for pigs injected into them, a despot leader has warned.
In a chilling rant, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte threatened that those who do not have the jab could be injected with Ivermectin – an anti-parasite drug widely used to treat animals.
The strongman, who last year warned those who break quarantine rules would be “shot”, said local leaders may be instructed to draw up a “tally” of those who refuse to be inoculated.
In a televised address, Duterte said: “You choose, vaccine or I will have you jailed.”
(Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
He continued: “But for as long as you are here and you are a human being, and can carry the virus, get vaccinated.
“Otherwise, I will order all the village captains to have a tally of the people who refuse to be vaccinated.
“Because if not, I will have Ivermectin meant for pigs injected into you.”
Health officials in the country have previously said that getting vaccinated is voluntary, but Duterte is said to be frustrated at the slow pace of vaccinations.
Latest data shows that just two per cent of the population have had both jabs, while 8.4 million have had one dose.
The country has a population of just over 108 million.
Ivermectin has been touted as an alternative treatment for Covid-19, but US and European regulators and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have recommended against it.
The President’s remarks follow reports of low turnout at several vaccination sites in the capital Manila.
He said: “Don’t get me wrong, there is a crisis in this country.
“I’m just exasperated by Filipinos not heeding the government.”
The Philippines – which has already seen 1.3 million cases and 23,809 deaths – is targeting having 70 million people fully vaccinated by the end of the year.
(Image: MARK R CRISTINO/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
It is the latest in a long of cases in which Duterte, accused of sanctioning thousands of extrajudicial killings in his ‘war on drugs’ has threatened sanctions against those who cross them.
Last year in a televised speech he urged the military to open fire on anyone who “causes trouble” during the country’s lockdown.
He said: “My orders to the police and military … if there is trouble and there’s an occasion that they fight back and your lives are in danger, shoot them dead.
“Is that understood? Dead. Instead of causing trouble, I will bury you.”
