Three Philippine Catholic priests say they and some church leaders who are critical of the president's bloody crackdown on illegal drugs have received death threats from unknown people.

Father Robert Reyes and two other priests told reporters Monday that they are hesitant to seek protection from the police because they are behind the anti-drug campaign that has left thousands of mostly poor drug suspects dead, but are considering seeking court protection.

Reyes says the threats eased after Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle notified President Rodrigo Duterte last month about them, which were mostly made in cellphone messages to some bishops and priests.

Duterte has often lashed out at Catholic bishops over sex abuses by clergy, calling the church the most hypocritical institution and questioning God's existence.