Container vans with municipal wastes allegedly from Canada are seen in this image provided by the Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation on July 10. 2015.

MANILA - Malacañang downplayed Monday President Rodrigo's threat of war against Canada over heaps of trash illegally shipped to the Philippines, saying it was just an "expression of outrage."

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo clarified that the President does not intend to engage Ottawa in war but is serious in his warning to return the garbage shipment. He added that Duterte's statement was a "figure of speech."

"That was an expression of outrage couched in a very strong term," Panelo told reporters during a Palace press briefing.

"I don't think any country would want to trigger another world war kasi all of us will get annihilated, nuclear eh," he added.

Duterte last week said he wanted the trash shipment from Canada returned to Ottawa's shores, even warning that the issue might spark a war.

“Awayin natin ang Canada. We’ll declare war against them, kaya man natin sila. Isauli ko talaga ah tingnan mo,” the President earlier said.

(We’ll fight with Canada. We can take them down. I’ll return their trash just wait and see.)

The President was referring to 103 containers of Canadian waste, consisting of household trash, plastic bottles and bags, newspapers, and used adult diapers, that arrived in Manila in batches from 2013 to 2014.

Trash from at least 26 containers have been buried in a Tarlac landfill.

Following Duterte's remarks, Canada affirmed its commitment to working with the Philippine government to address the problem.

It, however, did not comment on the Philippine leader's supposed war threat.

Panelo also confirmed President Duterte's ultimatum on Sunday that Canada should take back its trash within the week.

He however did not detail the possible repercussions should Canada fail to do so.