Australian Ambassador to the Philippines to Duterte: 'Rape Should Never be Joked'

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Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely issued a statement this Monday, April 18 on the controversial comment of presidentiable, Mayor Rody Duterte about Jaqueline Hamill, the Australian missionary, who was raped and killed in the Davao prison hostage-taking incident, back in 1989.

"Rape and murder should never be joked about or trivialised. Violence against women and girls is unacceptable anytime, anywhere," Amanda Gorely tweeted, who recently attend the launch of Say G'day exhibition in Davao City. This is part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Philippines and Australia.

The Australian ambassador was referring to the viral video where Mayor Duterte joked about Hamill, who among the 15 members of Protestant group called Joyful Assembly of God as hostages that were held hostages by Felipe Pugoy and his fellow inmates in a prison inside Camp Domingo Leonor (now the Davao City Police Office or DCPO).

“I looked at her face, son of a b**ch, she looks like a beautiful American actress. Son of a b**ch, what a waste. What came to mind was, they raped her, they lined up. I was angry because she was raped, yes, that's also one. But she was very beautiful, the mayor should have been first. What a waste.” Mayor Duterte said in Filipino language.

Must Read: * 1989 Felipe Pugoy Davao Prison Hostage Crisis: The Story Behind Duterte Rape Joke

Rape and murder should never be joked about or trivialised. Violence against women and girls is unacceptable anytime, anywhere.

— Amanda Gorely (@AusAmbPH) April 18, 2016

Must Watch: * Duterte Jokes About Rape of Australian Missionary, Presidentiables and Gabriela React (Video)

Netizens, as well women's rights group, Gabriela, and Duterte's fellow presidential candidates Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Grace Poe, former DILG secretary Mar Roxas, criticized him heavily and demanded the tough-talking mayor to issue a public apology. This Sunday, April 17, Duterte aired his side via a lengthy interview.

Mayor Duterte admitted that he said those statements, but noted that it was expressed in utter anger. He also narrated the story of the 1989 Davao prison hostage-taking incident, where submitted himself to be the hostage, as replacement for the prison guards. Pugoy and his group were arrested and eventually sent back to jail.
“I am even willing to lose the presidency. I do not make me apologize for something which I did — which was called for at that moment. I can lose Gabriela and all. I am sorry in general. I am sorry for the Filipino people. It is my style. It is my mouth. I said that in the heat of anger. but listen to the story behind.” Duterte said on the last part.