Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to put those people that refused to be vaccinated in jail. His statement comes as his nation faces one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in Asia.

“You choose, vaccine, or I will have you jailed. Don’t get me wrong, there is a crisis in this country. I’m just exasperated by Filipinos not heeding the government,” Duterte said in a televised address Monday.

Duterte made the remarks after receiving reports of low turnouts at several of the country’s vaccination sites in its capital city, Manila. His statement is contradictory to that of the announcements made by health officials, who had told people that vaccines were voluntary.

The Philippines currently has more than 1.3 million cases and more than 23,000 deaths – one of the highest infection rates and deaths in Southeast Asia. As of June 20, the country has vaccinated about 2.1 million out of its 110 million-strong population. Health officials said they are aiming to vaccinate up to 70 million people by the end of the year.

Duterte’s tough stance in containing the pandemic has received wide criticism. During his recent speech, he stood by his decision to have schools remain closed.