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James Taylor cancels Manila show

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Manila: Grammy award-winning singer James Taylor (pictured) has cancelled a concert in the Philippines next February in protest at alleged extrajudicial killings during President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal war on drugs.


“I don’t think of my music as being particularly political but sometimes one is called upon to make a political stand,” he said on his official website, www.jamestaylor.com.


The US star, who beat back drug addiction in his youth before finding global fame with his singing and songwriting, called narcotics dependence a “scourge” and a worldwide problem which sovereign nations should address by lawful means.


“But recent reports from the Philippines of summary executions of suspected offenders without trial or judicial process are deeply concerning and unacceptable to anyone who loves the rule of law.” Taylor offered his “heartfelt apologies” to Filipino fans, saying he had been eagerly looking forward to playing for them and it saddened him to cancel the concert.


Police or suspected vigilantes have killed more than 5,300 people since July, but the government rejects the allegations of extrajudicial executions. — AFP


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