Philippines President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-duterte-to-bring-up-territorial-issues-with-china-during-meeting-with-president-xi-philippines-ambassador-246386">Rodrigo Duterte</a> has offered big bounties for hundreds of convicted murderers and rapists set free in a corrections bureau blunder and said he would be happier if they were caught dead rather than alive.

The release under a good-behaviour reward programme of more than 1,700 criminals guilty of mostly violent offences has been a huge embarrassment for a crime-busting leader elected almost entirely on promises to make the streets safer.

Duterte said there was a "prize" of a million pesos ($19,175) for tracking down each convict still at large after less than 700 of them heeded his call for their surrender.

"The one million prizes are available to those who can capture them dead or alive. But maybe dead would be a better option. I will pay you smiling," he told reporters late on Tuesday.

Duterte is a former mayor and prosecutor who boasted he would kill as many as 100,000 criminals if be became president.

Since his election, he has become known for a bloody "war on drugs" during which police have killed thousands of mostly urban poor dealers and users.

Activists say many of the killings were executions, but police deny this.

His latest remarks are likely to outrage opponents who accuse him of deliberately inciting vigilantism.

His office rejects that and says his tough talk is endearing him to millions of Filipinos.

However, on Wednesday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra appeared to row back from Duterte's bounty offer.

"Dead or alive' should not be taken literally," he said.

"Law enforcers are supposed to effect peaceful arrests, but they may use reasonable force if the subject of the arrest violently resists."

The good conduct law was passed under Duterte's predecessor to try to reduce the populations of some of the world's most crowded jails.

More than 21,000 inmates were released, but justice department officials say more than 2,000 of them were sentenced for crimes like rape, drugs, murder, bribery, plunder, kidnapping and arson, and were therefore not eligible for release.

Some 1,700 of them were freed by a corrections bureau run by Duterte's appointees, two of them staunch loyalists. One of them, Nicanor Faeldon, was sacked after it emerged that nearly 900 serious offenders were freed on his watch. Faeldon denies wrongdoing.

Duterte defended the appointment on Tuesday of a new corrections bureau boss a prison chief for whom prosecutors have sought homicide charges.

Gerald Bantag ran a Manila jail wherein 2016, a grenade explosion killed 10 inmates, most of them drug offenders. A court has yet to take up the case.

"I don't think that he did it. If he did, then he might be convicted," Duterte said.

"But in the meantime, I like him because I heard he throws grenades," he added.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has offered big bounties for hundreds of convicted murderers and rapists set free in a corrections bureau blunder and said he would be happier if they were caught dead rather than alive.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has offered big bounties for hundreds of convicted murderers and rapists set free in a corrections bureau blunder and said he would be happier if they were caught dead rather than alive. The release under a good-behaviour reward programme of more than 1,700 criminals guilty of mostly violent offences has been a huge embarrassment for a crime-busting leader elected almost entirely on promises to make the streets safer. Duterte said there was a "prize" of a million pesos ($19,175) for tracking down each convict still at large after less than 700 of them heeded his call for their surrender. "The one million prizes are available to those who can capture them dead or alive. But maybe dead would be a better option. I will pay you smiling," he told reporters late on Tuesday. Duterte is a former mayor and prosecutor who boasted he would kill as many as 100,000 criminals if be became president. Since his election, he has become known for a bloody "war on drugs" during which police have killed thousands of mostly urban poor dealers and users. Activists say many of the killings were executions, but police deny this. His latest remarks are likely to outrage opponents who accuse him of deliberately inciting vigilantism. His office rejects that and says his tough talk is endearing him to millions of Filipinos. However, on Wednesday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra appeared to row back from Duterte's bounty offer. "Dead or alive' should not be taken literally," he said. "Law enforcers are supposed to effect peaceful arrests, but they may use reasonable force if the subject of the arrest violently resists." The good conduct law was passed under Duterte's predecessor to try to reduce the populations of some of the world's most crowded jails. More than 21,000 inmates were released, but justice department officials say more than 2,000 of them were sentenced for crimes like rape, drugs, murder, bribery, plunder, kidnapping and arson, and were therefore not eligible for release. Some 1,700 of them were freed by a corrections bureau run by Duterte's appointees, two of them staunch loyalists. One of them, Nicanor Faeldon, was sacked after it emerged that nearly 900 serious offenders were freed on his watch. Faeldon denies wrongdoing. Duterte defended the appointment on Tuesday of a new corrections bureau boss a prison chief for whom prosecutors have sought homicide charges. Gerald Bantag ran a Manila jail wherein 2016, a grenade explosion killed 10 inmates, most of them drug offenders. A court has yet to take up the case. "I don't think that he did it. If he did, then he might be convicted," Duterte said. "But in the meantime, I like him because I heard he throws grenades," he added.

Preferably dead: President Duterte offers cash for the capture of freed Filipino felons

President Rodrigo Duterte will bring up territorial issues in his Beijing meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-in-disputed-south-china-sea-amid-trade-tensions-246250">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>, the Philippines ambassador said on Thursday, as tensions rise over claims to the South China Sea.

The Filipino leader faces growing pressure at home to confront China over its aggressive approach to upholding its contested <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-says-deeply-concerned-about-developments-in-south-china-sea-244942">territorial claims in the waterway</a> after largely setting aside the standoff for his years in office.

Beijing claims the majority of the sea, often invoking its so-called nine-dash line to justify its alleged historic rights, but the waters are also contested by Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Brunei.

"The President has made it clear that from his point of view the time has come" to discuss the issue, said Philippine Ambassador Jose Santiago Santa Romana, noting Thursday's meeting will be the eighth between the two heads of state.

A series of recent confrontations have stoked simmering domestic discontent in the Philippines.&nbsp;

Duterte had shelved the issue to woo Chinese aid, trade and investment.&nbsp;

He has now built up a reservoir of goodwill with China, Santa Romana said, according to an official transcript of his remarks.

A UN-backed tribunal in 2016 ruled there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources in areas falling within its nine-dash line, which is based on a vague map that emerged in the 1940s. &nbsp;

Santa Romana said Duterte would bring up the arbitration victory in the meeting with Xi.

"He has decided that it's the time to include in the diplomatic agenda," said Santa Romana, adding "he's not coming here to provoke the Chinese."

"We have no illusion that we can solve the issue overnight," he said.

"I think the important thing is to bring it to the fore of the diplomatic agenda."

Duterte enjoys firm popular backing, but he has faced criticism at home over his stance that confronting China is futile and will only lead to an unwinnable war.

The issue has flared up since a Chinese fishing trawler hit and sank a Filipino boat in the South China Sea in June, sparking a string of small street protests and criticism from opposition politicians and former officials.

The Chinese fishermen's association issued an apology over the incident before Duterte'S visit and the government accepted it.

"He's here to build bridges not to burn bridges with China," said Santa Romana.

President Rodrigo Duterte will bring up territorial issues in his Beijing meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Philippines ambassador said on Thursday, as tensions rise over claims to the South China Sea.

President Rodrigo Duterte will bring up territorial issues in his Beijing meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Philippines ambassador said on Thursday, as tensions rise over claims to the South China Sea. The Filipino leader faces growing pressure at home to confront China over its aggressive approach to upholding its contested territorial claims in the waterway after largely setting aside the standoff for his years in office. Beijing claims the majority of the sea, often invoking its so-called nine-dash line to justify its alleged historic rights, but the waters are also contested by Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Brunei. "The President has made it clear that from his point of view the time has come" to discuss the issue, said Philippine Ambassador Jose Santiago Santa Romana, noting Thursday's meeting will be the eighth between the two heads of state. A series of recent confrontations have stoked simmering domestic discontent in the Philippines. Duterte had shelved the issue to woo Chinese aid, trade and investment. He has now built up a reservoir of goodwill with China, Santa Romana said, according to an official transcript of his remarks. A UN-backed tribunal in 2016 ruled there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources in areas falling within its nine-dash line, which is based on a vague map that emerged in the 1940s. Santa Romana said Duterte would bring up the arbitration victory in the meeting with Xi. "He has decided that it's the time to include in the diplomatic agenda," said Santa Romana, adding "he's not coming here to provoke the Chinese." "We have no illusion that we can solve the issue overnight," he said. "I think the important thing is to bring it to the fore of the diplomatic agenda." Duterte enjoys firm popular backing, but he has faced criticism at home over his stance that confronting China is futile and will only lead to an unwinnable war. The issue has flared up since a Chinese fishing trawler hit and sank a Filipino boat in the South China Sea in June, sparking a string of small street protests and criticism from opposition politicians and former officials. The Chinese fishermen's association issued an apology over the incident before Duterte'S visit and the government accepted it. "He's here to build bridges not to burn bridges with China," said Santa Romana.

President Duterte to bring up territorial issues with China during meeting with President Xi: Philippines ambassador

Thousands protested in the streets of Manila on July 22 as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-must-be-stupid-president-rodrigo-duterte-says-he-wont-be-tried-by-international-court-236653">President Rodrigo Duterte</a> launched a spirited defence of his relationship with China. Duterte insisted that his refusal to challenge China's maritime assertiveness was not capitulation, but avoidance of conflict.

In one and half hour speech to Congress that frequently went off script, Duterte devoted part of his annual state of the nation address to arguing that it was senseless to confront a country with claims to the same waters, and a far superior military.

Some 3,000 protesters took to the streets to condemn the government over its stance towards China and deadly war on drugs.

Protesters burned a serpent-shaped effigy of Duterte decorated with a Chinese flag and gun.

Duterte has been heavily scrutinised for his ties to China. Critics have accused him of gambling with national sovereignty in pursuit of massive investments that have not yet materialised.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-mulls-cutting-iceland-ties-over-united-nations-probe-236318">Philippine</a> leader made a few references to his signature war on drugs, despite a July 11 decision by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate the thousands of deaths and allegations of summary killings by police.

Critics say Duterte's frequent threats and talk of bloodshed have emboldened police to kill drug users and peddlers with impunity.

The president also joked about a preliminary examination of the drugs crackdown by the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying he might agree to go on trial with a few conditions that included an air-conditioned cell and "unlimited conjugal visits".

Thousands protested in the streets of Manila on July 22 as President Rodrigo Duterte launched a spirited defence of his relationship with China. Duterte insisted that his refusal to challenge China's maritime assertiveness was not capitulation, but avoidance of conflict.

Thousands protested in the streets of Manila on July 22 as President Rodrigo Duterte launched a spirited defence of his relationship with China. Duterte insisted that his refusal to challenge China's maritime assertiveness was not capitulation, but avoidance of conflict. In one and half hour speech to Congress that frequently went off script, Duterte devoted part of his annual state of the nation address to arguing that it was senseless to confront a country with claims to the same waters, and a far superior military. Some 3,000 protesters took to the streets to condemn the government over its stance towards China and deadly war on drugs. Protesters burned a serpent-shaped effigy of Duterte decorated with a Chinese flag and gun. Duterte has been heavily scrutinised for his ties to China. Critics have accused him of gambling with national sovereignty in pursuit of massive investments that have not yet materialised. The Philippine leader made a few references to his signature war on drugs, despite a July 11 decision by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate the thousands of deaths and allegations of summary killings by police. Critics say Duterte's frequent threats and talk of bloodshed have emboldened police to kill drug users and peddlers with impunity. The president also joked about a preliminary examination of the drugs crackdown by the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying he might agree to go on trial with a few conditions that included an air-conditioned cell and "unlimited conjugal visits".

Protests rage in Philippine capital as President Rodrigo Duterte defends China relationship

Eleven-year-old Jerry's crime was breaking curfew laws after fleeing violence at home. His punishment? Being sent to a youth detention centre, where he says he endured sexual abuse.&nbsp;

Officially called "Houses of Hope", proponents in the Philippines say such facilities are places for reformation and education, but critics slam many of them as "hellholes" where children are treated like caged animals.

Rights' groups say Jerry should never have been detained under current laws, but warn a proposed bill to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 12, will mean thousands of more children will be sent to overcrowded and underfunded centres - leaving them vulnerable to mistreatment.

"I felt so dirty. That was the first time it happened to me," Jerry told AFP as he recalled the night he was pulled from his bed, forced to the bathroom and attacked by older boys also held at a decaying centre in Manila.

"I cannot forget the sexual abuse," he explained, adding that he left home to escape beatings from his father and ended up sleeping on the streets. His mother works in Kuwait.

Under existing law, Houses of Hope is primarily to hold young offenders aged 15 to 18. But charities say younger vulnerable children from troubled homes, like Jerry, are sometimes swept up in the dragnet even for minor misdemeanours and struggle to recover from the experience.

Watchdogs and former wards warn planned legislation to criminalise children as young as 12 and then detain them with older teens and in some cases, adults will put those least able to defend themselves at risk.

"There is a higher potential for abuse because the government is not prepared," said Melanie Ramos-Llana of Child Rights Network Philippines.

"You put more children into Houses of Hope which are not equipped, lack personnel and programmes, you will have problems. Jails or detention centres are not places for children," she added.&nbsp;

Youth advocate Louise Suamen warns mixing youngsters who have committed minor infringements with older criminals could create a "school of crime".

"If you are a child subjected to this environment, you can learn violence or abusive behaviour. If they want to change something... treat detention as the last resort," explained Suamen of Bahay Tuluyan Foundation.&nbsp;

'Hellholes of subhuman conditions' 
A bill to give authorities the power to prosecute younger children stalled in the session of the legislature that wrapped up last month.&nbsp;

But it is a key plank of President Rodrigo Duterte's tough-on-crime stance, which includes restoring the death penalty and his internationally condemned drug crackdown that has killed thousands since 2016.

After sweeping May's midterm polls, Duterte allies dominate Congress and have vowed to advance his agenda when the session opens on Monday.

But critics insist conditions in many of the facilities are identical to or worse than the jails adults are sent to.

"Children are detained in these so-called House of Hope like animals in cages," said Father Shay Cullen, president of PREDA Foundation which helps boys like Jerry.&nbsp;

"These are really hellholes of subhuman conditions," he added.&nbsp;

Five children previously held in the system, including Jerry, told AFP they suffered abuse in youth centres.&nbsp;

All the boys are identified using a pseudonym because they are minors or were when held.&nbsp;

Justin, who was 17 when he was brought to a youth centre in the capital in 2017, said other boys beat him on the pretext he had broken house rules. &nbsp;

"They would punch us in the chest, stomach and sometimes the chin. It was so painful. I learned to be callous there because of what they did to me and I wanted revenge," he said. &nbsp;

There are 55 government-run Houses of Hope nationwide, but this is well short of the 114 the Philippines has estimated it needs to properly house troubled juveniles.

According to official data only eight comply with social welfare rules.

These guidelines include having one social worker for every 25 children, providing one bed per resident along with nutritious meals, clothing, toiletries and rehabilitation programmes.

"Some of the Houses of Hope we saw was worse than prisons. They have no programmes," Tricia Oco, executive director of the government's Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council, told a senate inquiry in January.

'We are like flowers' 
Tristan, 15, was relieved when he was transferred to a House of Hope in Manila after being held in an adult jail on a drug trafficking charge he said police fabricated. &nbsp;

"I thought it would be a lovely home. But it was also a prison, a prison for children," he told AFP. &nbsp;

The facilities where Jerry, Justin, and Tristan stayed denied AFP's requests for a visit.&nbsp;

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it did not monitor peer abuse in centres, but institutions that failed to meet standards should be "held responsible". &nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/you-must-be-stupid-president-rodrigo-duterte-says-he-wont-be-tried-by-international-court-236653&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj22L6zucjjAhXLqY8KHYWiAtcQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2WAYk8KvSpqwPQB33PzGO9">Philippines</a> raised the age of criminal responsibility from 9 to 15 in 2006, a move hailed as a step toward humane treatment.&nbsp;

However, Duterte has repeatedly attacked the change as hampering police efforts to crack down on underage couriers for drug syndicates.&nbsp;

The gaps in the system stem from insufficient funding, weak congressional oversight and authorities' preference for detention over community-based programmes, advocates say. &nbsp;

"In reality, detention becomes the first resort," said Rowena Legaspi, executive director of the Children's Legal Rights and Development Center.

The current law tasks provinces and cities with building and operating the centres but the national government monitors compliance.&nbsp;

Many Houses of Hope struggle with inadequate resources, said Jay Mark Chico, centre head in northern Bulacan province.&nbsp;

His facility was built to accommodate 60 children but now houses 144 -&nbsp;squashed into rooms behind metal bars where some must sleep on the floor.

Chico told AFP the province had a daily food budget of 33 pesos (0.65 US cents) per child but was pushing to increase this while building a bigger centre to address overcrowding. &nbsp;

Still, some say their time in the centres helped them. &nbsp;

"I am so grateful because I never imagined I could still pursue my studies," said 21-year-old Nathan Andres, who was detained as a juvenile for rape but has been allowed to serve out his sentence in the Bulacan youth facility. &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, Andres, who wants to become a teacher, says targeting 12-year-olds is not the answer.

He mused, "We are like the flowers we craft from old papers. People think we are garbage, useless. But actually, we still have value."

Eleven-year-old Jerry's crime was breaking curfew laws after fleeing violence at home. His punishment? Being sent to a youth detention centre, where he says he endured sexual abuse.

Eleven-year-old Jerry's crime was breaking curfew laws after fleeing violence at home. His punishment? Being sent to a youth detention centre, where he says he endured sexual abuse. Officially called "Houses of Hope", proponents in the Philippines say such facilities are places for reformation and education, but critics slam many of them as "hellholes" where children are treated like caged animals. Rights' groups say Jerry should never have been detained under current laws, but warn a proposed bill to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 12, will mean thousands of more children will be sent to overcrowded and underfunded centres - leaving them vulnerable to mistreatment. "I felt so dirty. That was the first time it happened to me," Jerry told AFP as he recalled the night he was pulled from his bed, forced to the bathroom and attacked by older boys also held at a decaying centre in Manila. "I cannot forget the sexual abuse," he explained, adding that he left home to escape beatings from his father and ended up sleeping on the streets. His mother works in Kuwait. Under existing law, Houses of Hope is primarily to hold young offenders aged 15 to 18. But charities say younger vulnerable children from troubled homes, like Jerry, are sometimes swept up in the dragnet even for minor misdemeanours and struggle to recover from the experience. Watchdogs and former wards warn planned legislation to criminalise children as young as 12 and then detain them with older teens and in some cases, adults will put those least able to defend themselves at risk. "There is a higher potential for abuse because the government is not prepared," said Melanie Ramos-Llana of Child Rights Network Philippines. "You put more children into Houses of Hope which are not equipped, lack personnel and programmes, you will have problems. Jails or detention centres are not places for children," she added. Youth advocate Louise Suamen warns mixing youngsters who have committed minor infringements with older criminals could create a "school of crime". "If you are a child subjected to this environment, you can learn violence or abusive behaviour. If they want to change something... treat detention as the last resort," explained Suamen of Bahay Tuluyan Foundation. 'Hellholes of subhuman conditions' A bill to give authorities the power to prosecute younger children stalled in the session of the legislature that wrapped up last month. But it is a key plank of President Rodrigo Duterte's tough-on-crime stance, which includes restoring the death penalty and his internationally condemned drug crackdown that has killed thousands since 2016. After sweeping May's midterm polls, Duterte allies dominate Congress and have vowed to advance his agenda when the session opens on Monday. But critics insist conditions in many of the facilities are identical to or worse than the jails adults are sent to. "Children are detained in these so-called House of Hope like animals in cages," said Father Shay Cullen, president of PREDA Foundation which helps boys like Jerry. "These are really hellholes of subhuman conditions," he added. Five children previously held in the system, including Jerry, told AFP they suffered abuse in youth centres. All the boys are identified using a pseudonym because they are minors or were when held. Justin, who was 17 when he was brought to a youth centre in the capital in 2017, said other boys beat him on the pretext he had broken house rules. "They would punch us in the chest, stomach and sometimes the chin. It was so painful. I learned to be callous there because of what they did to me and I wanted revenge," he said. There are 55 government-run Houses of Hope nationwide, but this is well short of the 114 the Philippines has estimated it needs to properly house troubled juveniles. According to official data only eight comply with social welfare rules. These guidelines include having one social worker for every 25 children, providing one bed per resident along with nutritious meals, clothing, toiletries and rehabilitation programmes. "Some of the Houses of Hope we saw was worse than prisons. They have no programmes," Tricia Oco, executive director of the government's Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council, told a senate inquiry in January. 'We are like flowers' Tristan, 15, was relieved when he was transferred to a House of Hope in Manila after being held in an adult jail on a drug trafficking charge he said police fabricated. "I thought it would be a lovely home. But it was also a prison, a prison for children," he told AFP. The facilities where Jerry, Justin, and Tristan stayed denied AFP's requests for a visit. The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it did not monitor peer abuse in centres, but institutions that failed to meet standards should be "held responsible". The Philippines raised the age of criminal responsibility from 9 to 15 in 2006, a move hailed as a step toward humane treatment. However, Duterte has repeatedly attacked the change as hampering police efforts to crack down on underage couriers for drug syndicates. The gaps in the system stem from insufficient funding, weak congressional oversight and authorities' preference for detention over community-based programmes, advocates say. "In reality, detention becomes the first resort," said Rowena Legaspi, executive director of the Children's Legal Rights and Development Center. The current law tasks provinces and cities with building and operating the centres but the national government monitors compliance. Many Houses of Hope struggle with inadequate resources, said Jay Mark Chico, centre head in northern Bulacan province. His facility was built to accommodate 60 children but now houses 144 - squashed into rooms behind metal bars where some must sleep on the floor. Chico told AFP the province had a daily food budget of 33 pesos (0.65 US cents) per child but was pushing to increase this while building a bigger centre to address overcrowding. Still, some say their time in the centres helped them. "I am so grateful because I never imagined I could still pursue my studies," said 21-year-old Nathan Andres, who was detained as a juvenile for rape but has been allowed to serve out his sentence in the Bulacan youth facility. However, Andres, who wants to become a teacher, says targeting 12-year-olds is not the answer. He mused, "We are like the flowers we craft from old papers. People think we are garbage, useless. But actually, we still have value."

Children in Philippine youth homes face abuses 'worse than prison'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-mulls-cutting-iceland-ties-over-united-nations-probe-236318">Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte</a> has declared he will never be tried by an international court for mass killings in his war on drugs, and vowed no let-up in a crackdown that he said he was winning and would see through "to the very end".

In a television interview with a celebrity pastor, the firebrand leader said the Philippine justice system was working fine, so it would be "stupid" to imagine he would let an international court put him on trial.

"I will only face, be tried or face a trial, in a Philippine court. Presided by a Filipino judge. Prosecuted by a Filipino ... I will not answer a Caucasian, asking questions, white man there. You must be stupid," he said late on Tuesday.

"I am a Filipino. We have our courts here... Shit. Do you have to bring me somewhere else? I would not like that. I have my country. It's working. I know it's working. Justice is working here."

His opponents argue otherwise and say police are killing with impunity, and that with an approval rating of about 80 percent, a super-majority in Congress and presidential appointees heading courts, commissions, and investigative bodies, there is little chance of Duterte being impeached or prosecuted at home.

Duterte, 74, has previously said he was so committed to his war on drugs that he was prepared to be tried for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, or rot in jail there.

However, within weeks of an ICC prosecutor announcing in February 2018 that a preliminary examination was being conducted into the killings, Duterte ordered police not to cooperate, and then unilaterally cancelled the Philippines' ICC membership. The ICC examination continues, despite his withdrawal.

His latest show of defiance comes days after the UN Human Rights Council approved a resolution to investigate the killings, responding to a call from 11 UN experts concerned about a "staggering" amount of deaths.

The Philippine government has rejected the resolution as meddling by biased Western states and denies activists' allegations that police are executing thousands of drug users and peddlers.

Duterte said he was making gains in his anti-narcotics campaign, with fewer drugs on the streets.

He said suspects should choose to "drop the drugs or drop dead", but suggested that was merely an expression, not an instruction to kill.

"Whether they like it or not, I will continue what I started to the very end," he said.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared he will never be tried by an international court for mass killings in his war on drugs, and vowed no let-up in a crackdown that he said he was winning and would see through "to the very end".

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared he will never be tried by an international court for mass killings in his war on drugs, and vowed no let-up in a crackdown that he said he was winning and would see through "to the very end". In a television interview with a celebrity pastor, the firebrand leader said the Philippine justice system was working fine, so it would be "stupid" to imagine he would let an international court put him on trial. "I will only face, be tried or face a trial, in a Philippine court. Presided by a Filipino judge. Prosecuted by a Filipino ... I will not answer a Caucasian, asking questions, white man there. You must be stupid," he said late on Tuesday. "I am a Filipino. We have our courts here... Shit. Do you have to bring me somewhere else? I would not like that. I have my country. It's working. I know it's working. Justice is working here." His opponents argue otherwise and say police are killing with impunity, and that with an approval rating of about 80 percent, a super-majority in Congress and presidential appointees heading courts, commissions, and investigative bodies, there is little chance of Duterte being impeached or prosecuted at home. Duterte, 74, has previously said he was so committed to his war on drugs that he was prepared to be tried for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, or rot in jail there. However, within weeks of an ICC prosecutor announcing in February 2018 that a preliminary examination was being conducted into the killings, Duterte ordered police not to cooperate, and then unilaterally cancelled the Philippines' ICC membership. The ICC examination continues, despite his withdrawal. His latest show of defiance comes days after the UN Human Rights Council approved a resolution to investigate the killings, responding to a call from 11 UN experts concerned about a "staggering" amount of deaths. The Philippine government has rejected the resolution as meddling by biased Western states and denies activists' allegations that police are executing thousands of drug users and peddlers. Duterte said he was making gains in his anti-narcotics campaign, with fewer drugs on the streets. He said suspects should choose to "drop the drugs or drop dead", but suggested that was merely an expression, not an instruction to kill. "Whether they like it or not, I will continue what I started to the very end," he said.

'You must be stupid': Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says he won't be tried by international court

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-top-senator-chides-iceland-for-abortion-united-nation-drugs-war-probe-236074">Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte</a> is "seriously considering" cutting his nation's diplomatic ties with Iceland after it spearheaded a UN resolution to probe his deadly drug war, the leader's spokesman said.

Duterte bristles at any Western condemnation of his signature campaign, which has killed thousands and critics say could amount to crimes against humanity.

The comments late Monday from presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo came in response to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-withdraws-from-un-human-rights-council-145673">UN Human Rights Council</a> last week backing the Iceland-proposed resolution to review the killings.&nbsp;

"(Duterte) is seriously considering cutting diplomatic relations with Iceland," Panelo said in a statement.

"The adopted Iceland resolution is grotesquely one-sided, outrageously narrow, and maliciously partisan," he added.

Duterte launched the anti-drug crackdown in 2016, and since then police say they have killed over 5,300 drug suspects. However, human rights groups say the true toll is four times that number.

The UN review comes in addition to a preliminary examination already launched by war crimes prosecutors from the International Criminal Court, which the Philippines left earlier this year.

Panelo attacked the UN resolution saying it "likewise demonstrates how the Western powers are scornful of our sovereign exercise of protecting our people".&nbsp;

Duterte's government frequently paints international criticism as a violation of sovereignty, but watchdogs counter by saying an impartial local review is nearly impossible while Duterte is in power.

Last week Amnesty International released a report alleging the killing is "systematic" and police face very little, if any, scrutiny over the nightly slayings.

Duterte has already publicly mocked Iceland over the UN vote.

"Iceland, what is Iceland's problem Justice. That's your problem. You have too much ice," Duterte said Friday.&nbsp;

"These idiots, they don't understand the social, economic, political problems of the Philippines."

While the Philippines and Iceland have diplomatic ties, they do not have embassies in each other's country, said the Filipino foreign minister.

Economic ties include Icelandic investment in geothermal energy in the Philippines and Filipinos working as office and factory workers and nurses in Iceland.

Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin had said his nation could withdraw from the UN rights council over the vote but later said it would not do so.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is "seriously considering" cutting his nation's diplomatic ties with Iceland after it spearheaded a UN resolution to probe his deadly drug war, the leader's spokesman said.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is "seriously considering" cutting his nation's diplomatic ties with Iceland after it spearheaded a UN resolution to probe his deadly drug war, the leader's spokesman said. Duterte bristles at any Western condemnation of his signature campaign, which has killed thousands and critics say could amount to crimes against humanity. The comments late Monday from presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo came in response to the UN Human Rights Council last week backing the Iceland-proposed resolution to review the killings. "(Duterte) is seriously considering cutting diplomatic relations with Iceland," Panelo said in a statement. "The adopted Iceland resolution is grotesquely one-sided, outrageously narrow, and maliciously partisan," he added. Duterte launched the anti-drug crackdown in 2016, and since then police say they have killed over 5,300 drug suspects. However, human rights groups say the true toll is four times that number. The UN review comes in addition to a preliminary examination already launched by war crimes prosecutors from the International Criminal Court, which the Philippines left earlier this year. Panelo attacked the UN resolution saying it "likewise demonstrates how the Western powers are scornful of our sovereign exercise of protecting our people". Duterte's government frequently paints international criticism as a violation of sovereignty, but watchdogs counter by saying an impartial local review is nearly impossible while Duterte is in power. Last week Amnesty International released a report alleging the killing is "systematic" and police face very little, if any, scrutiny over the nightly slayings. Duterte has already publicly mocked Iceland over the UN vote. "Iceland, what is Iceland's problem Justice. That's your problem. You have too much ice," Duterte said Friday. "These idiots, they don't understand the social, economic, political problems of the Philippines." While the Philippines and Iceland have diplomatic ties, they do not have embassies in each other's country, said the Filipino foreign minister. Economic ties include Icelandic investment in geothermal energy in the Philippines and Filipinos working as office and factory workers and nurses in Iceland. Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin had said his nation could withdraw from the UN rights council over the vote but later said it would not do so.

Philippines' Duterte mulls cutting Iceland ties over United Nation probe

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-rejects-call-for-united-nations-rights-council-probe-225446">Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's</a> narcotics crackdown has become a "systematic" campaign of killing, Amnesty International alleged on Monday, urging the United Nations to launch a probe into thousands of deaths.

The drug war is Duterte's signature initiative and is heavily supported by many Filipinos, but the nightly slaying of suspects by police and masked gunmen has provoked international condemnation.

In a speech just hours after Amnesty issued its report attacking the crackdown, Duterte said "extrajudicial killing is okay, but not corruption", &nbsp;though he did not elaborate further.

In its report, Amnesty said there is a well-worn pattern of deadly police operations, planted evidence and abductions that start with so-called "watch lists".

Those names are supplied by local officials who are "under immense pressure" from authorities to provide a steady stream of suspects, the London-based monitor said.

"Worse still, individuals on watch lists appear to be placed on them indefinitely, with no means of getting delisted, even after they have gone through drug treatment or stopped using drugs," said the report.

Amnesty said it was impossible to determine how many people have been killed in the campaign, accusing Manila of "deliberate obfuscation and misinformation" that has left victims' kin feeling helpless.

The government's official toll is just over 5,300, but watchdogs say the true number is quadruple that.

"What we believe is most important, in assessing the current situation, is the systematic nature of the violations," Amnesty's East Asia director Nicholas Bequelin told AFP.

'Failure of the international community'&nbsp;

Amnesty said the press has lost interest in the killings while the government fails to investigate or provide adequate treatment programmes for drug users.

"It has had the effect of creating a climate of total impunity in the country, in which police and others are free to kill without consequence," it said.

"There is sufficient evidence to conclude that crimes committed may constitute crimes against humanity," the group added.

Amnesty said it investigated the deaths of 27 people over the past year in Bulacan, a province near Manila that has become "the country's bloodiest killing field".

Police broke down doors before shooting drug suspects inside and abducted others to be killed elsewhere, it alleged.

Police also tampered with crime scenes and fabricated their reports, planted evidence and stole from victims, it added.

Amnesty called on the UN Human Rights Council to open an inquiry to "put an end to these crimes, and to provide justice and reparations for countless families and victims".

"We ask that the council vote on the resolution and let it pass this week so that an independent investigation can commence led by the UN," Amnesty section director in the Philippines Butch Olano told reporters.&nbsp;

He was referring to a draft resolution, proposed by Iceland and backed mainly by Western nations, which calls for a probe into the drug war and that is expected to go up for a vote before the council sessions end on Friday.

Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo criticised as "incorrigible" Amnesty's call for a probe, adding police only killed suspects in self-defence.&nbsp;

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's narcotics crackdown has become a "systematic" campaign of killing, Amnesty International alleged on Monday, urging the United Nations to launch a probe into thousands of deaths.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's narcotics crackdown has become a "systematic" campaign of killing, Amnesty International alleged on Monday, urging the United Nations to launch a probe into thousands of deaths. The drug war is Duterte's signature initiative and is heavily supported by many Filipinos, but the nightly slaying of suspects by police and masked gunmen has provoked international condemnation. In a speech just hours after Amnesty issued its report attacking the crackdown, Duterte said "extrajudicial killing is okay, but not corruption", though he did not elaborate further. In its report, Amnesty said there is a well-worn pattern of deadly police operations, planted evidence and abductions that start with so-called "watch lists". Those names are supplied by local officials who are "under immense pressure" from authorities to provide a steady stream of suspects, the London-based monitor said. "Worse still, individuals on watch lists appear to be placed on them indefinitely, with no means of getting delisted, even after they have gone through drug treatment or stopped using drugs," said the report. Amnesty said it was impossible to determine how many people have been killed in the campaign, accusing Manila of "deliberate obfuscation and misinformation" that has left victims' kin feeling helpless. The government's official toll is just over 5,300, but watchdogs say the true number is quadruple that. "What we believe is most important, in assessing the current situation, is the systematic nature of the violations," Amnesty's East Asia director Nicholas Bequelin told AFP. 'Failure of the international community' Amnesty said the press has lost interest in the killings while the government fails to investigate or provide adequate treatment programmes for drug users. "It has had the effect of creating a climate of total impunity in the country, in which police and others are free to kill without consequence," it said. "There is sufficient evidence to conclude that crimes committed may constitute crimes against humanity," the group added. Amnesty said it investigated the deaths of 27 people over the past year in Bulacan, a province near Manila that has become "the country's bloodiest killing field". Police broke down doors before shooting drug suspects inside and abducted others to be killed elsewhere, it alleged. Police also tampered with crime scenes and fabricated their reports, planted evidence and stole from victims, it added. Amnesty called on the UN Human Rights Council to open an inquiry to "put an end to these crimes, and to provide justice and reparations for countless families and victims". "We ask that the council vote on the resolution and let it pass this week so that an independent investigation can commence led by the UN," Amnesty section director in the Philippines Butch Olano told reporters. He was referring to a draft resolution, proposed by Iceland and backed mainly by Western nations, which calls for a probe into the drug war and that is expected to go up for a vote before the council sessions end on Friday. Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo criticised as "incorrigible" Amnesty's call for a probe, adding police only killed suspects in self-defence.

Amnesty urges United Nation probe of 'systematic' Philippine drug war killings

China has rejected Philippine allegations that a Chinese fishing vessel abandoned 22 Filipinos after it sank their boat in the South China Sea, as pressure builds on President Rodrigo Duterte to take a tougher line.

China's embassy in Manila said the crew had sought to rescue the Filipino fishermen but fled after being "suddenly besieged by seven or eight Filipino fishing boats".

"There was no such thing as (a) 'hit-and-run'," it said in a statement late on Friday, adding it would handle the issue in a "serious and responsible manner".

The sinking took place on Sunday near the Reed Bank, the site of untapped gas deposits that an international arbitration court in 2016 ruled the Philippines had sovereign rights to exploit. Beijing disputes that.

The issue could complicate what are determined efforts by Duterte to build a strong relationship with China, despite deep mistrust among his US-allied defence apparatus, which remains wary about China's maritime militarisation and what it sees as bullying and denial of Manila's access to its own offshore oil and gas reserves.

Duterte has made no mention of Sunday's incident during any of the lengthy and unscripted speeches he has since given. His defence minister, navy chief and spokesman have publicly denounced the Chinese crew and his foreign minister said he had lodged a protest with Beijing.

Presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, did not respond to a request for comment on China's version of events.

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Saturday called for bilateral ties to be downgraded and said China's denial was "preposterous" and the story made no sense.

She said Duterte had plenty to say about mundane issues but should speak up when it came to sovereignty.

"Nothing is more reassuring to the public than to see and hear their own president, the supposed architect of the country's foreign policy, telling them that he is on top of the situation," Hontiveros said.

Sunday's incident is the latest confrontation involving China's vast fishing fleet, which experts say has been co-opted to serve as Beijing's militia and augment its constant coastguard presence in waters also claimed by Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei.

Philippines Supreme Court judge Antonio Carpio, a staunch critic of China's maritime claims and conduct, said that among its massive fishing contingent were boats with reinforced steel hulls "purposely for ramming fishing vessels of other coastal states."

"The Filipino people must send a strong signal to China that any new 'grey zone' offensive of ramming Filipino fishing vessels ...will mean a break of diplomatic ties," Carpio said in a statement late Friday.

China has rejected Philippine allegations that a Chinese fishing vessel abandoned 22 Filipinos after it sank their boat in the South China Sea, as pressure builds on President Rodrigo Duterte to take a tougher line.

China has rejected Philippine allegations that a Chinese fishing vessel abandoned 22 Filipinos after it sank their boat in the South China Sea, as pressure builds on President Rodrigo Duterte to take a tougher line. China's embassy in Manila said the crew had sought to rescue the Filipino fishermen but fled after being "suddenly besieged by seven or eight Filipino fishing boats". "There was no such thing as (a) 'hit-and-run'," it said in a statement late on Friday, adding it would handle the issue in a "serious and responsible manner". The sinking took place on Sunday near the Reed Bank, the site of untapped gas deposits that an international arbitration court in 2016 ruled the Philippines had sovereign rights to exploit. Beijing disputes that. The issue could complicate what are determined efforts by Duterte to build a strong relationship with China, despite deep mistrust among his US-allied defence apparatus, which remains wary about China's maritime militarisation and what it sees as bullying and denial of Manila's access to its own offshore oil and gas reserves. Duterte has made no mention of Sunday's incident during any of the lengthy and unscripted speeches he has since given. His defence minister, navy chief and spokesman have publicly denounced the Chinese crew and his foreign minister said he had lodged a protest with Beijing. Presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, did not respond to a request for comment on China's version of events. Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Saturday called for bilateral ties to be downgraded and said China's denial was "preposterous" and the story made no sense. She said Duterte had plenty to say about mundane issues but should speak up when it came to sovereignty. "Nothing is more reassuring to the public than to see and hear their own president, the supposed architect of the country's foreign policy, telling them that he is on top of the situation," Hontiveros said. Sunday's incident is the latest confrontation involving China's vast fishing fleet, which experts say has been co-opted to serve as Beijing's militia and augment its constant coastguard presence in waters also claimed by Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei. Philippines Supreme Court judge Antonio Carpio, a staunch critic of China's maritime claims and conduct, said that among its massive fishing contingent were boats with reinforced steel hulls "purposely for ramming fishing vessels of other coastal states." "The Filipino people must send a strong signal to China that any new 'grey zone' offensive of ramming Filipino fishing vessels ...will mean a break of diplomatic ties," Carpio said in a statement late Friday.

China denies hit and run as pressure builds on Philippines' Duterte to speak up

The Philippines on Saturday rejected a call for an independent United Nations probe into Manila's alleged human rights violations, describing it as interference in the affairs of the Asian nation.

UN rights experts asked the UN Human Rights Council on Friday to look into the "staggering number of unlawful deaths and police killings in the context of the so-called war on drugs, as well as killings of human rights defenders".

President Rodrigo Duterte has overseen a narcotics crackdown in which police have killed more than 5,300 suspected drug dealers and users since he was elected three years ago.

Rights groups say the actual number of dead is at least three times higher.

"The latest call by 11 special rapporteurs of the United Nations for an international probe of the Philippines not only is intellectually challenged but an outrageous interference on Philippine sovereignty," Duterte spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

He accused the UN experts of "peddling a biased and absolutely false recital of facts, adulterated with malicious imputations against the constituted authorities".

Panelo also said: "Those who have spoken against the campaign on illegal drugs and human rights record of this president have been overwhelmingly rejected by the Filipino electorate."

Last month's midterm polls, held halfway into Duterte's six-year term, saw his allies take control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The 11 UN experts, who are independent and do not speak for the United Nations, include the special rapporteur on summary or extrajudicial killings, Agnes Callamard.

Callamard earned Duterte's ire when she called for a stop to the drug war killings in 2016.

Duterte's drug war is his signature policy initiative and he defends it fiercely, especially from international critics and institutions which he says do not care about the Philippines.

Critics have alleged the crackdown amounts to a war on the poor that feeds an undercurrent of impunity and lawlessness in the country.

The Philippines on Saturday rejected a call for an independent United Nations probe into Manila's alleged human rights violations, describing it as interference in the affairs of the Asian nation.

The Philippines on Saturday rejected a call for an independent United Nations probe into Manila's alleged human rights violations, describing it as interference in the affairs of the Asian nation. UN rights experts asked the UN Human Rights Council on Friday to look into the "staggering number of unlawful deaths and police killings in the context of the so-called war on drugs, as well as killings of human rights defenders". President Rodrigo Duterte has overseen a narcotics crackdown in which police have killed more than 5,300 suspected drug dealers and users since he was elected three years ago. Rights groups say the actual number of dead is at least three times higher. "The latest call by 11 special rapporteurs of the United Nations for an international probe of the Philippines not only is intellectually challenged but an outrageous interference on Philippine sovereignty," Duterte spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement. He accused the UN experts of "peddling a biased and absolutely false recital of facts, adulterated with malicious imputations against the constituted authorities". Panelo also said: "Those who have spoken against the campaign on illegal drugs and human rights record of this president have been overwhelmingly rejected by the Filipino electorate." Last month's midterm polls, held halfway into Duterte's six-year term, saw his allies take control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The 11 UN experts, who are independent and do not speak for the United Nations, include the special rapporteur on summary or extrajudicial killings, Agnes Callamard. Callamard earned Duterte's ire when she called for a stop to the drug war killings in 2016. Duterte's drug war is his signature policy initiative and he defends it fiercely, especially from international critics and institutions which he says do not care about the Philippines. Critics have alleged the crackdown amounts to a war on the poor that feeds an undercurrent of impunity and lawlessness in the country.

Philippines rejects call for United Nations probe in alleged human rights violations

The Philippines has started returning dozens of shipping containers full of trash to Canada after a long-running row over waste exports that has tested diplomatic ties amid threats from firebrand President Rodrigo Duterte.

The 69 containers were loaded overnight onto a vessel at the port of Subic, northwest of Manila, and left on Friday for a month-long journey to the Canadian city of Vancouver.

A Philippine court in 2016 declared the import of 2,400 tonnes of Canadian waste illegal. It had been mislabelled as plastics for recycling.

Canada said the waste, exported to the Philippines between 2013 and 2014, was a private commercial transaction done without the government's consent.

"The government of Canada is taking all the necessary measures to ensure safe and environmentally sound transport, handling and disposal of the waste in Canada," Mark Johnson, spokesman for Canada's environment and climate change ministry, said in an email statement.

The Philippines had accused Canada of stalling, prompting angry rebukes from Duterte, a volatile but hugely popular president known for his tirades against Western governments.

He threatened to declare war on Canada, dump the trash in front of its embassy in Manila, or personally sail with the waste and leave it in Canadian waters.

Watch: Philippines withdraws top diplomats from Canada over trash row

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His spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said he hoped ties with Canada would now return to normal.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said diplomats whom he had ordered to leave Canada in protest had now been told to return. Locsin posted a picture on Twitter on Friday of the ship departing Subic, with the message "Baaaaaaaaa bye".

The Philippines is the latest Southeast Asian nation to take issue with developed nations they say to use the region as a dumping grounds for waste.

Malaysia, the world's main destination for plastic waste after China, said on Tuesday it would return as much as 3,000 tonnes of waste back to the countries of origin.

Environmental activists gathered in Subic as the containers were being prepared, holding banners that said "never again" and "we are not the world's dump site."

Some carried cardboard boxes made to look like shipping containers bearing signs that read "good riddance" and "Canada take back your trash".

"The waste trade is a very unacceptable practice. It is a deplorable practice," Greenpeace Philippines director Lea Guerrero told reporters.

The Philippines has started returning dozens of shipping containers full of trash to Canada after a long-running row over waste exports that has tested diplomatic ties amid threats from firebrand President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Philippines has started returning dozens of shipping containers full of trash to Canada after a long-running row over waste exports that has tested diplomatic ties amid threats from firebrand President Rodrigo Duterte. The 69 containers were loaded overnight onto a vessel at the port of Subic, northwest of Manila, and left on Friday for a month-long journey to the Canadian city of Vancouver. A Philippine court in 2016 declared the import of 2,400 tonnes of Canadian waste illegal. It had been mislabelled as plastics for recycling. Canada said the waste, exported to the Philippines between 2013 and 2014, was a private commercial transaction done without the government's consent. "The government of Canada is taking all the necessary measures to ensure safe and environmentally sound transport, handling and disposal of the waste in Canada," Mark Johnson, spokesman for Canada's environment and climate change ministry, said in an email statement. The Philippines had accused Canada of stalling, prompting angry rebukes from Duterte, a volatile but hugely popular president known for his tirades against Western governments. He threatened to declare war on Canada, dump the trash in front of its embassy in Manila, or personally sail with the waste and leave it in Canadian waters. Watch: Philippines withdraws top diplomats from Canada over trash row × His spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said he hoped ties with Canada would now return to normal. Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said diplomats whom he had ordered to leave Canada in protest had now been told to return. Locsin posted a picture on Twitter on Friday of the ship departing Subic, with the message "Baaaaaaaaa bye". The Philippines is the latest Southeast Asian nation to take issue with developed nations they say to use the region as a dumping grounds for waste. Malaysia, the world's main destination for plastic waste after China, said on Tuesday it would return as much as 3,000 tonnes of waste back to the countries of origin. Environmental activists gathered in Subic as the containers were being prepared, holding banners that said "never again" and "we are not the world's dump site." Some carried cardboard boxes made to look like shipping containers bearing signs that read "good riddance" and "Canada take back your trash". "The waste trade is a very unacceptable practice. It is a deplorable practice," Greenpeace Philippines director Lea Guerrero told reporters.

Philippines sends trash back to Canada after Duterte escalates row

Allies of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte have dominated a mid-term Senate election according to unofficial results on Tuesday, indicating growing support for the maverick leader and broad public endorsement of his controversial rule.

Polls close in Philippines vote seen as referendum on Duterte

Filipinos headed to midterm polls on Monday that are expected to strengthen President Rodrigo Duterte's grip on power, opening the way for him to deliver on pledges to restore the death penalty and rewrite the constitution.

More than 18,000 posts are at stake, including half of the seats in the upper house Senate, which has served as a bulwark against some of Duterte's most controversial policies.

Duterte is known internationally for his foul-mouthed tirades but remains hugely popular among Filipinos fed up with the country's general dysfunction and leaders who have failed to fix it.

He wants to bring back capital punishment for drug-related crimes as part of a deadly crackdown on narcotics in which thousands of suspects and drug addicts have already been killed.

His tough-on-crime platform -- which also includes lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 12 -- was key to his landslide election victory in 2016.

Voters crowded voting centres in the capital Manila ahead of polls opening at 6:00 am (2200 GMT Sunday) in an election where some 61,000 are registered to cast ballots.

"I'm voting for all the candidates endorsed by President Duterte," voter Evelyn Balili, 55, said, adding that she thought the government had delivered on promises to improve the country.

Historically, the nation's 24 senators -- who serve six-year terms -- have had a reputation for being more independent-minded than the lower house. &nbsp;

Winning a Senate majority, something that independent national surveys indicate is well within reach, would give Duterte legislative backing for his anti-crime proposals and his plan to rewrite the constitution.

The opposition warns that could lead to the single-term limit for the presidency being lifted, allowing him to seek re-election despite his repeated statements that he would stand down at the end of his mandate.

It would also allow him to expand his contentious anti-drug crackdown by bringing back the death penalty, a pledge that the UN Human Rights Council said gave it "deep alarm".

The Philippines outlawed capital punishment in 1987, reinstated it six years later and then abolished again in 2006.

Family politics

The 73-year-old hit the campaign trail to get his supporters in the Senate, giving two-hour speeches at late-night rallies and routinely insulting their opponents -- calling one a "faggot" and accusing another of working for communist guerrillas.

The results for municipal and city mayors and councils are expected within hours of polls closing at 6:00 pm Monday, with winners for the Senate and congressional seats likely to be declared from Friday.

Even if the presidential term limit is not lifted, the Duterte family looks well-placed to continue after him.

The president's daughter Sara -- tipped by many as the president's potential successor in the 2022 presidential vote -- is running to keep her post as mayor in its southern bailiwick of Davao city.

Her younger brother Sebastian is seeking, unopposed, the city's vice-mayoral seat, while Duterte's eldest son Paolo is standing for a seat in the House of Representatives.

Electoral contests in the Philippines have always been bloody. Dozens, including candidates and their supporters, are killed in the fierce competition for posts, which are a source of wealth in a nation with deep poverty.

Police are on high alert to safeguard balloting as the bloody trend continued this year, with 20 killed and 24 wounded in election-related violence in the run up to the vote, according to an official count.

Filipinos headed to midterm polls on Monday that are expected to strengthen President Rodrigo Duterte's grip on power, opening the way for him to deliver on pledges to restore the death penalty and rewrite the constitution.

Filipinos headed to midterm polls on Monday that are expected to strengthen President Rodrigo Duterte's grip on power, opening the way for him to deliver on pledges to restore the death penalty and rewrite the constitution. More than 18,000 posts are at stake, including half of the seats in the upper house Senate, which has served as a bulwark against some of Duterte's most controversial policies. Duterte is known internationally for his foul-mouthed tirades but remains hugely popular among Filipinos fed up with the country's general dysfunction and leaders who have failed to fix it. He wants to bring back capital punishment for drug-related crimes as part of a deadly crackdown on narcotics in which thousands of suspects and drug addicts have already been killed. His tough-on-crime platform -- which also includes lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 12 -- was key to his landslide election victory in 2016. Voters crowded voting centres in the capital Manila ahead of polls opening at 6:00 am (2200 GMT Sunday) in an election where some 61,000 are registered to cast ballots. "I'm voting for all the candidates endorsed by President Duterte," voter Evelyn Balili, 55, said, adding that she thought the government had delivered on promises to improve the country. Historically, the nation's 24 senators -- who serve six-year terms -- have had a reputation for being more independent-minded than the lower house. Winning a Senate majority, something that independent national surveys indicate is well within reach, would give Duterte legislative backing for his anti-crime proposals and his plan to rewrite the constitution. The opposition warns that could lead to the single-term limit for the presidency being lifted, allowing him to seek re-election despite his repeated statements that he would stand down at the end of his mandate. It would also allow him to expand his contentious anti-drug crackdown by bringing back the death penalty, a pledge that the UN Human Rights Council said gave it "deep alarm". The Philippines outlawed capital punishment in 1987, reinstated it six years later and then abolished again in 2006. Family politics The 73-year-old hit the campaign trail to get his supporters in the Senate, giving two-hour speeches at late-night rallies and routinely insulting their opponents -- calling one a "faggot" and accusing another of working for communist guerrillas. The results for municipal and city mayors and councils are expected within hours of polls closing at 6:00 pm Monday, with winners for the Senate and congressional seats likely to be declared from Friday. Even if the presidential term limit is not lifted, the Duterte family looks well-placed to continue after him. The president's daughter Sara -- tipped by many as the president's potential successor in the 2022 presidential vote -- is running to keep her post as mayor in its southern bailiwick of Davao city. Her younger brother Sebastian is seeking, unopposed, the city's vice-mayoral seat, while Duterte's eldest son Paolo is standing for a seat in the House of Representatives. Electoral contests in the Philippines have always been bloody. Dozens, including candidates and their supporters, are killed in the fierce competition for posts, which are a source of wealth in a nation with deep poverty. Police are on high alert to safeguard balloting as the bloody trend continued this year, with 20 killed and 24 wounded in election-related violence in the run up to the vote, according to an official count.

Philippines votes in polls expected to strengthen Duterte's grip on power

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has warned Beijing to back off from a disputed island in the South China Sea, warning of possible military action if China "touches" it amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/philippines-says-presence-of-chinese-vessels-in-disputed-waters-is-illegal-207859">rising tensions over the key waterway</a>.

Duterte, aiming to attract trade and investment from the Asian superpower, has mostly withheld his early criticism of Beijing's expansive claims to the sea -- a point of regional contention because trillions of dollars of goods pass through it.

But as the Philippine military warned this week that hundreds of Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels had "swarmed" the Manila-held Pag-asa island, also known as Thitu, the Philippine president spoke out late Thursday.

"I will not plead or beg, but I am just telling you that lay off the Pag-asa because I have soldiers there," Duterte said in speech to prosecutors.&nbsp;

"If you touch it, that's another story. Then I will tell my soldiers 'prepare for suicide missions'", he added.

Duterte has repeatedly said war with China would be futile and that the Philippines would lose and suffer heavily in the process.

His words came after his Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling the Chinese ships' presence an "illegal" violation of Philippine sovereignty.

China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have all staked claims to various islands and reefs as well as waterways in the sea, with rich petroleum reserves thought to sit deep beneath the waters.

In a major victory for Manila, an international maritime tribunal ruled early in Duterte's presidency in 2016 that China's claims to the area have no legal basis.&nbsp;

However, he has largely set aside that ruling and backed off on their once tense territorial dispute over the sea.

He has been criticised at home for taking too soft a stance on China and getting little of the billions of dollars in investment promised by Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

For its part, Beijing has downplayed the rising tension over Pag-asa, saying on Thursday that both sides had "exchanged views frankly, amicably and constructively" on the issue.

The United States, long-time Philippines ally and former colonial master, has moved to oppose any Chinese expansion in the sea.

For the first time, the US said in March that it would come to Manila's aid in case of an "armed attack" in the South China Sea.

The US navy has also forcefully asserted its right to freedom of navigation in the area, repeatedly sailing close to the man-made islands and drawing Chinese protests.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has warned Beijing to back off from a disputed island in the South China Sea, warning of possible military action if China "touches" it amid rising tensions over the key waterway.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has warned Beijing to back off from a disputed island in the South China Sea, warning of possible military action if China "touches" it amid rising tensions over the key waterway. Duterte, aiming to attract trade and investment from the Asian superpower, has mostly withheld his early criticism of Beijing's expansive claims to the sea -- a point of regional contention because trillions of dollars of goods pass through it. But as the Philippine military warned this week that hundreds of Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels had "swarmed" the Manila-held Pag-asa island, also known as Thitu, the Philippine president spoke out late Thursday. "I will not plead or beg, but I am just telling you that lay off the Pag-asa because I have soldiers there," Duterte said in speech to prosecutors. "If you touch it, that's another story. Then I will tell my soldiers 'prepare for suicide missions'", he added. Duterte has repeatedly said war with China would be futile and that the Philippines would lose and suffer heavily in the process. His words came after his Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling the Chinese ships' presence an "illegal" violation of Philippine sovereignty. China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have all staked claims to various islands and reefs as well as waterways in the sea, with rich petroleum reserves thought to sit deep beneath the waters. In a major victory for Manila, an international maritime tribunal ruled early in Duterte's presidency in 2016 that China's claims to the area have no legal basis. However, he has largely set aside that ruling and backed off on their once tense territorial dispute over the sea. He has been criticised at home for taking too soft a stance on China and getting little of the billions of dollars in investment promised by Chinese President Xi Jinping. For its part, Beijing has downplayed the rising tension over Pag-asa, saying on Thursday that both sides had "exchanged views frankly, amicably and constructively" on the issue. The United States, long-time Philippines ally and former colonial master, has moved to oppose any Chinese expansion in the sea. For the first time, the US said in March that it would come to Manila's aid in case of an "armed attack" in the South China Sea. The US navy has also forcefully asserted its right to freedom of navigation in the area, repeatedly sailing close to the man-made islands and drawing Chinese protests.

Philippines' Duterte warns China to back off disputed island

The head of a Philippine news website known for critical reports about President Rodrigo Duterte was re-arrested at Manila's airport and freed on bail hours later on Friday over charges she had violated foreign ownership rules on media.

Rappler Chief Executive Officer and Time Person of the Year, Maria Ressa, was served an arrest warrant over a libel case live on television last month and spent a night in detention before she was released. She was arrested again on March 29 minutes after arriving from the United States.

Rappler and its officials are now facing 11 cases, said Ressa, who posted bail for the seventh time. The Philippine constitution bans foreign ownership of media but Rappler has said foreigners who invested in its Philippine Depositary Receipts do not have any say in its operations.

Lawsuits against news platform Rappler have drawn global concern about a free and open media in the democratic Southeast Asian country. Media watchdogs said the charges against Ressa were trumped up and aimed at intimidating those who challenge Duterte's rule, in particular his deadly crackdown on illicit drugs.

The head of a Philippine news website known for critical reports about President Rodrigo Duterte was re-arrested at Manila's airport and freed on bail hours later on Friday over charges she had violated foreign ownership rules on media.

The head of a Philippine news website known for critical reports about President Rodrigo Duterte was re-arrested at Manila's airport and freed on bail hours later on Friday over charges she had violated foreign ownership rules on media. Rappler Chief Executive Officer and Time Person of the Year, Maria Ressa, was served an arrest warrant over a libel case live on television last month and spent a night in detention before she was released. She was arrested again on March 29 minutes after arriving from the United States. Rappler and its officials are now facing 11 cases, said Ressa, who posted bail for the seventh time. The Philippine constitution bans foreign ownership of media but Rappler has said foreigners who invested in its Philippine Depositary Receipts do not have any say in its operations. Lawsuits against news platform Rappler have drawn global concern about a free and open media in the democratic Southeast Asian country. Media watchdogs said the charges against Ressa were trumped up and aimed at intimidating those who challenge Duterte's rule, in particular his deadly crackdown on illicit drugs.

Philippine news site chief and Duterte critic freed on bail after latest arrest

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel next week to the Philippines, the State Department said Friday, as the former US colony increasingly flirts with regional giant China.

Pompeo will travel to Manila on February 28 and March 1 for talks with President Rodrigo Duterte, State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said.

The top US diplomat will be paying the visit on his way back from Hanoi where he is joining President Donald Trump for his closely watched second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

After winning the presidency in 2016, the brash Philippine leader threatened to split with the United States and patch up with China by ending a long-running sea dispute.

President Xi Jinping visited Manila in November er, offering trade and investment incentives.

Duterte has bristled at all criticism over his sweeping crackdown on drugs and crime, which has killed thousands of people since mid-2016 despite criticism of lack of due process.

But Trump has hailed Duterte's actions as a sign of toughness -- a marked contrast with previous US president Barack Obama, who Duterte branded the "son of a whore."

The Trump administration has downplayed human rights except when pressing adversaries and has set an overall priority of reducing the global influence of China and Russia.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel next week to the Philippines, the State Department said Friday, as the former US colony increasingly flirts with regional giant China.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel next week to the Philippines, the State Department said Friday, as the former US colony increasingly flirts with regional giant China. Pompeo will travel to Manila on February 28 and March 1 for talks with President Rodrigo Duterte, State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said. The top US diplomat will be paying the visit on his way back from Hanoi where he is joining President Donald Trump for his closely watched second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. After winning the presidency in 2016, the brash Philippine leader threatened to split with the United States and patch up with China by ending a long-running sea dispute. President Xi Jinping visited Manila in November er, offering trade and investment incentives. Duterte has bristled at all criticism over his sweeping crackdown on drugs and crime, which has killed thousands of people since mid-2016 despite criticism of lack of due process. But Trump has hailed Duterte's actions as a sign of toughness -- a marked contrast with previous US president Barack Obama, who Duterte branded the "son of a whore." The Trump administration has downplayed human rights except when pressing adversaries and has set an overall priority of reducing the global influence of China and Russia.

US Secretary Pompeo to visit Philippines amid China flirtation

Some 102 Bangladeshi meth dealers have surrendered to authorities at a pre-scheduled ceremony in a coastal town, officials said Saturday, as a Philippines-style anti-narcotics crackdown sows fear among kingpins.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-drug-war-death-toll-hits-200-rights-group-152464">Bangladesh last year launched a "war" on drugs</a> following a proliferation of illegal substances in the South Asian nation of 165 million people, mostly of cheap methamphetamine pills known as "yaba".

Police said 24 yaba "godfathers", as well as lieutenants and peddlers, surrendered to the country's home minister in Teknaf town -- the key gateway for smuggling yaba into the country from Myanmar, where the pills are manufactured by the millions.

The dealers also surrendered 350,000 vanilla-scented, small red yaba pills -- whose name comes from a Thai word meaning "crazy medicine" -- and 30 illegal firearms.

The country's police chief Mohammad Javed Patwary said authorities would advocate for lesser prison sentences for those who had surrendered, and would "assist" them in returning to normal life.

But he promised, "harsh upcoming days" for those who had stayed away.

"Those who are in hiding, don't get carried away. You'll not be spared," he told the mass gathering of several thousand locals who came to witness the event.

Teknaf is situated in Cox's Bazar district -- home to around a million Rohingya refugees -- bordering Myanmar.

Cox's Bazar is flooded with yaba, with many of the Rohingya refugees used as "mules" for carrying the pills.

The pills have become an easy source of income for the Rohingya, some 740,000 of whom have poured across the border since Myanmar launched a military crackdown in August 2017 that the UN has described as ethnic cleansing.

The mass surrender comes during a concerted crackdown against drug traffickers, which has left nearly 300 people dead, including 40 from Teknaf, and seen about 25,000 arrested since May last year.

On Friday Bangladesh security forces seized 570,000 yaba pills in separate drives in the border region next to Myanmar's northern Rakhine state.

According to the Department of Narcotics Control, some five million people in Bangladesh are drug users with yaba the most popular substance. The country seized a record 53 million yaba pills last year.

In October, authorities made yaba a class-A banned substance and parliament passed a law allowing the death penalty for dealing the drug.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's highly controversial anti-drug crackdown has killed thousands of alleged users and pushers since 2016.

Some 102 Bangladeshi meth dealers have surrendered to authorities at a pre-scheduled ceremony in a coastal town, officials said Saturday, as a Philippines-style anti-narcotics crackdown sows fear among kingpins.

Some 102 Bangladeshi meth dealers have surrendered to authorities at a pre-scheduled ceremony in a coastal town, officials said Saturday, as a Philippines-style anti-narcotics crackdown sows fear among kingpins. Bangladesh last year launched a "war" on drugs following a proliferation of illegal substances in the South Asian nation of 165 million people, mostly of cheap methamphetamine pills known as "yaba". Police said 24 yaba "godfathers", as well as lieutenants and peddlers, surrendered to the country's home minister in Teknaf town -- the key gateway for smuggling yaba into the country from Myanmar, where the pills are manufactured by the millions. The dealers also surrendered 350,000 vanilla-scented, small red yaba pills -- whose name comes from a Thai word meaning "crazy medicine" -- and 30 illegal firearms. The country's police chief Mohammad Javed Patwary said authorities would advocate for lesser prison sentences for those who had surrendered, and would "assist" them in returning to normal life. But he promised, "harsh upcoming days" for those who had stayed away. "Those who are in hiding, don't get carried away. You'll not be spared," he told the mass gathering of several thousand locals who came to witness the event. Teknaf is situated in Cox's Bazar district -- home to around a million Rohingya refugees -- bordering Myanmar. Cox's Bazar is flooded with yaba, with many of the Rohingya refugees used as "mules" for carrying the pills. The pills have become an easy source of income for the Rohingya, some 740,000 of whom have poured across the border since Myanmar launched a military crackdown in August 2017 that the UN has described as ethnic cleansing. The mass surrender comes during a concerted crackdown against drug traffickers, which has left nearly 300 people dead, including 40 from Teknaf, and seen about 25,000 arrested since May last year. On Friday Bangladesh security forces seized 570,000 yaba pills in separate drives in the border region next to Myanmar's northern Rakhine state. According to the Department of Narcotics Control, some five million people in Bangladesh are drug users with yaba the most popular substance. The country seized a record 53 million yaba pills last year. In October, authorities made yaba a class-A banned substance and parliament passed a law allowing the death penalty for dealing the drug. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's highly controversial anti-drug crackdown has killed thousands of alleged users and pushers since 2016.

Over 100 drug 'godfathers' surrender to Bangladesh police

Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, who has repeatedly clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested in her Manila office on Wednesday in what rights advocates called an act of "persecution".

Her detention on a charge of "cyber libel" is a dramatic escalation in the legal pressure bearing down on Ressa and her website Rappler, which was already facing tax evasion charges that could shut it down.

"She's been arrested and she's been read her rights," Rappler co-founder Beth Frondoso told AFP. "Fingers crossed -- we'll try to post bail tonight."

Ressa, who was named a Time Magazine "Person of the Year" in 2018 for her journalistic work, left the Rappler offices with agents from the National Bureau of Investigation and surrounded by cameras.

Rappler has drawn the administration's ire since publishing reports critical of Duterte's signature anti-drug crackdown that has killed thousands of alleged users and pushers since 2016.

However, the new case against Ressa and former Rappler reporter Reynaldo Santos, Jr. stems from a 2012 report written about a businessman's alleged ties to a then-judge on the nation's top court.&nbsp;

While investigators initially dismissed the businessman's 2017 complaint about the article, the case was subsequently forwarded to prosecutors for their consideration.

Philippine journalists immediately attacked the surprise serving of the warrant.

"The arrest of... Ressa on the clearly manipulated charge of cyber libel is a shameless act of persecution by a bully government," said the National Union of Journalists' of the Philippines.&nbsp;

"The government... now proves it will go to ridiculous lengths to forcibly silence critical media," it added.

Duterte has lashed out at other critical media outfits, including the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper and broadcaster ABS-CBN.&nbsp;

He had threatened to go after their owners over alleged unpaid taxes or block the network's franchise renewal application.

Some of the drug crackdown's highest-profile critics have wound up behind bars, including Senator Leila de Lima, who was jailed on drug charges she insists were fabricated to silence her.

The law that forms the foundation of the case takes aim at various online offences, including computer fraud and hacking.&nbsp;

Under the tax case, the government accuses Rappler Holdings Corp., Ressa and the site's accountant of failing to pay taxes on 2015 bond sales that it alleges netted gains of 162.5 million pesos ($3 million).

The Philippine justice system is notoriously overburdened and slow, with even minor cases taking years to be judged.

Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, who has repeatedly clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested in her Manila office on Wednesday in what rights advocates called an act of "persecution".

Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, who has repeatedly clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested in her Manila office on Wednesday in what rights advocates called an act of "persecution". Her detention on a charge of "cyber libel" is a dramatic escalation in the legal pressure bearing down on Ressa and her website Rappler, which was already facing tax evasion charges that could shut it down. "She's been arrested and she's been read her rights," Rappler co-founder Beth Frondoso told AFP. "Fingers crossed -- we'll try to post bail tonight." Ressa, who was named a Time Magazine "Person of the Year" in 2018 for her journalistic work, left the Rappler offices with agents from the National Bureau of Investigation and surrounded by cameras. Rappler has drawn the administration's ire since publishing reports critical of Duterte's signature anti-drug crackdown that has killed thousands of alleged users and pushers since 2016. However, the new case against Ressa and former Rappler reporter Reynaldo Santos, Jr. stems from a 2012 report written about a businessman's alleged ties to a then-judge on the nation's top court. While investigators initially dismissed the businessman's 2017 complaint about the article, the case was subsequently forwarded to prosecutors for their consideration. Philippine journalists immediately attacked the surprise serving of the warrant. "The arrest of... Ressa on the clearly manipulated charge of cyber libel is a shameless act of persecution by a bully government," said the National Union of Journalists' of the Philippines. "The government... now proves it will go to ridiculous lengths to forcibly silence critical media," it added. Duterte has lashed out at other critical media outfits, including the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper and broadcaster ABS-CBN. He had threatened to go after their owners over alleged unpaid taxes or block the network's franchise renewal application. Some of the drug crackdown's highest-profile critics have wound up behind bars, including Senator Leila de Lima, who was jailed on drug charges she insists were fabricated to silence her. The law that forms the foundation of the case takes aim at various online offences, including computer fraud and hacking. Under the tax case, the government accuses Rappler Holdings Corp., Ressa and the site's accountant of failing to pay taxes on 2015 bond sales that it alleges netted gains of 162.5 million pesos ($3 million). The Philippine justice system is notoriously overburdened and slow, with even minor cases taking years to be judged.

Philippines arrests Duterte critic, journalist Maria Ressa, on libel charge

Philippine prosecutors said Wednesday they will file a libel charge carrying up to 12 years in prison against journalist Maria Ressa, who leads a news website that has clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte's administration.

The case -- under a controversial cybercrime law penalising online libel -- adds to legal pressure on Ressa and her site Rappler, which has already been hit with tax evasion charges that could shutter the outlet and put her behind bars.

Ressa, who was named a Time Magazine "Person of the Year" in 2018 for her journalistic work, slammed the fresh case as a new front of "harassment" intended to silence her website.

Rappler has drawn the administration's ire since publishing reports critical of Duterte's signature anti-drug crackdown that has killed thousands of alleged users and pushers since 2016.

However, the new case against Ressa and former Rappler reporter Reynaldo Santos, Jr. stems from a 2012 report written about a businessman's alleged ties to a then-judge on the nation's top court.&nbsp;

While investigators initially dismissed the businessman's 2017 complaint about the article, the case was subsequently forwarded to prosecutors for their consideration.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told AFP on Wednesday the case would be filed in court "very soon".

Duterte has lashed out at other critical media outfits, including the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper and broadcaster ABS-CBN.&nbsp;

He had threatened to go after their owners over alleged unpaid taxes or block the network's franchise renewal application.

Some of the drug crackdown's highest-profile critics have wound up behind bars, including Senator Leila de Lima, who was jailed on drug charges she insists were fabricated to silence her.

Ressa, already on bail for the tax charges, said the new case lacks a sound legal basis.

"It is ridiculous, of course it is harassment," she told AFP. "The story was published seven years ago, four months before the (cybercrime) law was enacted."

The law that forms the foundation of the case takes aim at various online offences, including computer fraud and hacking.&nbsp;

Nonoy Espina, chairman of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, said the case would set an ominous precedent.

"This is an extremely dangerous proposition since it essentially means anyone can be made liable for anything and everything they posted even way before the Cybercrime Law," he added.

Guevarra denied the government's decision to pursue the case was an effort to put pressure on the website.

"We do not inject politics in our work. No one tells us how to go about doing our job. We give contending parties equal opportunities to present their side," Guevarra told AFP.

Under the tax case, the government accuses Rappler Holdings Corp., Ressa and the site's accountant of failing to pay taxes on 2015 bond sales that it alleges netted gains of 162.5 million pesos ($3 million).

The Philippine justice system is notoriously overburdened and slow, with even minor cases taking years to be judged.

Philippine prosecutors said Wednesday they will file a libel charge carrying up to 12 years in prison against journalist Maria Ressa, who leads a news website that has clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte's administration.

Philippine prosecutors said Wednesday they will file a libel charge carrying up to 12 years in prison against journalist Maria Ressa, who leads a news website that has clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte's administration. The case -- under a controversial cybercrime law penalising online libel -- adds to legal pressure on Ressa and her site Rappler, which has already been hit with tax evasion charges that could shutter the outlet and put her behind bars. Ressa, who was named a Time Magazine "Person of the Year" in 2018 for her journalistic work, slammed the fresh case as a new front of "harassment" intended to silence her website. Rappler has drawn the administration's ire since publishing reports critical of Duterte's signature anti-drug crackdown that has killed thousands of alleged users and pushers since 2016. However, the new case against Ressa and former Rappler reporter Reynaldo Santos, Jr. stems from a 2012 report written about a businessman's alleged ties to a then-judge on the nation's top court. While investigators initially dismissed the businessman's 2017 complaint about the article, the case was subsequently forwarded to prosecutors for their consideration. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told AFP on Wednesday the case would be filed in court "very soon". Duterte has lashed out at other critical media outfits, including the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper and broadcaster ABS-CBN. He had threatened to go after their owners over alleged unpaid taxes or block the network's franchise renewal application. Some of the drug crackdown's highest-profile critics have wound up behind bars, including Senator Leila de Lima, who was jailed on drug charges she insists were fabricated to silence her. Ressa, already on bail for the tax charges, said the new case lacks a sound legal basis. "It is ridiculous, of course it is harassment," she told AFP. "The story was published seven years ago, four months before the (cybercrime) law was enacted." The law that forms the foundation of the case takes aim at various online offences, including computer fraud and hacking. Nonoy Espina, chairman of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, said the case would set an ominous precedent. "This is an extremely dangerous proposition since it essentially means anyone can be made liable for anything and everything they posted even way before the Cybercrime Law," he added. Guevarra denied the government's decision to pursue the case was an effort to put pressure on the website. "We do not inject politics in our work. No one tells us how to go about doing our job. We give contending parties equal opportunities to present their side," Guevarra told AFP. Under the tax case, the government accuses Rappler Holdings Corp., Ressa and the site's accountant of failing to pay taxes on 2015 bond sales that it alleges netted gains of 162.5 million pesos ($3 million). The Philippine justice system is notoriously overburdened and slow, with even minor cases taking years to be judged.

Philippines announces libel charge against critical journalist

Kim Jong-un and Roderigo Duterte look-alikes take Hong Kong by storm

Human rights groups expressed alarm at Sri Lanka's leader on Friday for praising <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-president-sparks-outrage-for-calling-god-stupid-147127">Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte</a> and his bloody war on drugs as an "example to the whole world".

Despite international condemnation of a crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, visiting <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sirisena-keeps-control-of-police-as-lanka-political-crisis-festers-187245">Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena</a> told Duterte during a banquet this week that he wanted to "follow your footsteps to control this hazard".

Carlos Conde, a Philippines researcher for the New York-based Human Rights Watch, said Duterte's campaign was "a human rights calamity that no country in the world should even try to emulate".

"No 'drug war' that treated the drug problem purely from a crime perspective has ever succeeded," he said. "What they have wrought are untold suffering and the further destruction of the rule of law and the diminution of human rights".

The Philippine government has consistently refuted that and said the crackdown, which started in July 2016, was being administered lawfully.

On Friday, the presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said any allegations of state-sponsored killings were "pure hogwash".

Police say they have since killed at least 5,000 suspected drug dealers, although activists say the number could be far higher and they dispute official accounts that the killings were all in self-defence.

More than 200 people in Bangladesh have been killed by police in a similar campaign.

International drug smugglers have increasingly turned to Sri Lanka as a transit hub in Asia, authorities there have said.

Predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka voted in favour of a UN resolution for a moratorium on the death penalty in 2015, but Sirisena said last year he wanted convicted traffickers caught arranging drugs deals from jail to be executed.

Philippines human rights group iDefend said that if Sirisena was serious about following Duterte's lead, he should be ready to face scrutiny by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, which has started a preliminary examination into alleged crimes against humanity by Duterte.

"We warn Asian leaders not to emulate the Philippine model but adopt a humane, evidence-based public health approach to the drugs issue through rights-based governance that strengthens, not erodes democratic institutions," iDefend spokesman Judy Pasimio said.

A spokesman for Sirisena did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Despite international condemnation of a crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena told Duterte that he wanted to 'follow your footsteps to control this hazard'.

Human rights groups expressed alarm at Sri Lanka's leader on Friday for praising Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his bloody war on drugs as an "example to the whole world". Despite international condemnation of a crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena told Duterte during a banquet this week that he wanted to "follow your footsteps to control this hazard". Carlos Conde, a Philippines researcher for the New York-based Human Rights Watch, said Duterte's campaign was "a human rights calamity that no country in the world should even try to emulate". "No 'drug war' that treated the drug problem purely from a crime perspective has ever succeeded," he said. "What they have wrought are untold suffering and the further destruction of the rule of law and the diminution of human rights". The Philippine government has consistently refuted that and said the crackdown, which started in July 2016, was being administered lawfully. On Friday, the presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said any allegations of state-sponsored killings were "pure hogwash". Police say they have since killed at least 5,000 suspected drug dealers, although activists say the number could be far higher and they dispute official accounts that the killings were all in self-defence. More than 200 people in Bangladesh have been killed by police in a similar campaign. International drug smugglers have increasingly turned to Sri Lanka as a transit hub in Asia, authorities there have said. Predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka voted in favour of a UN resolution for a moratorium on the death penalty in 2015, but Sirisena said last year he wanted convicted traffickers caught arranging drugs deals from jail to be executed. Philippines human rights group iDefend said that if Sirisena was serious about following Duterte's lead, he should be ready to face scrutiny by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, which has started a preliminary examination into alleged crimes against humanity by Duterte. "We warn Asian leaders not to emulate the Philippine model but adopt a humane, evidence-based public health approach to the drugs issue through rights-based governance that strengthens, not erodes democratic institutions," iDefend spokesman Judy Pasimio said. A spokesman for Sirisena did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Activists decry Sri Lankan president's praise for Duterte's drugs war

Human rights groups expressed alarm at Sri Lanka's leader on Friday for praising Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his bloody war on drugs as an "example to the whole world".

Despite international condemnation of a crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena told Duterte during a banquet this week that he wanted to "follow your footsteps to control this hazard".

Carlos Conde, Philippines researcher for the New York-based Human Rights Watch, said Duterte's campaign was "a human rights calamity that no country in the world should even try to emulate".

"No 'drug war' that treated the drug problem purely from a crime perspective has ever succeeded," he said. "What they have wrought are untold suffering and the further destruction of the rule of law and the diminution of human rights".

The Philippine government has consistently refuted that and said the crackdown, which started in July 2016, was being administered lawfully.

On Friday, presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said any allegations of state-sponsored killings were "pure hogwash".

Police say they have since killed at least 5,000 suspected drug dealers, although activists say the number could be far higher and they dispute official accounts that the killings were all in self-defence.

More than 200 people in Bangladesh have been killed by police in a similar campaign.

International drug smugglers have increasingly turned to Sri Lanka as a transit hub in Asia, authorities there have said.

Predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka voted in favour of a UN&nbsp;resolution for a moratorium on the death penalty in 2015, but Sirisena said last year he wanted convicted traffickers caught arranging drugs deals from jail to be executed.

Philippines human rights group iDefend said that if Sirisena was serious about following Duterte's lead, he should be ready to face scrutiny by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, which has started a preliminary examination into alleged crimes against humanity by Duterte.

"We warn Asian leaders not to emulate the Philippine model but adopt a humane, evidence-based public health approach to the drugs issue through a rights-based governance that strengthens, not erodes democratic institutions," iDefend spokesman Judy Pasimio said.

A spokesman for Sirisena did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Human rights groups expressed alarm at Sri Lanka's leader on Friday for praising Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his bloody war on drugs as an "example to the whole world".

Human rights groups expressed alarm at Sri Lanka's leader on Friday for praising Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his bloody war on drugs as an "example to the whole world". Despite international condemnation of a crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena told Duterte during a banquet this week that he wanted to "follow your footsteps to control this hazard". Carlos Conde, Philippines researcher for the New York-based Human Rights Watch, said Duterte's campaign was "a human rights calamity that no country in the world should even try to emulate". "No 'drug war' that treated the drug problem purely from a crime perspective has ever succeeded," he said. "What they have wrought are untold suffering and the further destruction of the rule of law and the diminution of human rights". The Philippine government has consistently refuted that and said the crackdown, which started in July 2016, was being administered lawfully. On Friday, presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said any allegations of state-sponsored killings were "pure hogwash". Police say they have since killed at least 5,000 suspected drug dealers, although activists say the number could be far higher and they dispute official accounts that the killings were all in self-defence. More than 200 people in Bangladesh have been killed by police in a similar campaign. International drug smugglers have increasingly turned to Sri Lanka as a transit hub in Asia, authorities there have said. Predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka voted in favour of a UN resolution for a moratorium on the death penalty in 2015, but Sirisena said last year he wanted convicted traffickers caught arranging drugs deals from jail to be executed. Philippines human rights group iDefend said that if Sirisena was serious about following Duterte's lead, he should be ready to face scrutiny by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, which has started a preliminary examination into alleged crimes against humanity by Duterte. "We warn Asian leaders not to emulate the Philippine model but adopt a humane, evidence-based public health approach to the drugs issue through a rights-based governance that strengthens, not erodes democratic institutions," iDefend spokesman Judy Pasimio said. A spokesman for Sirisena did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte drew outrage Sunday after saying he "touched" his maid when he was a teenager, with women's rights groups accusing him of attempted rape and encouraging sexual abuse.

Duterte frequently sparks uproar with his comments on women, including rape jokes and boasting about adultery.

In his latest remarks, Duterte recounted a confession he had with a priest in high school, detailing how he had entered the room of his maid while she was sleeping.&nbsp;

"I lifted the blanket... I tried to touch what was inside the panty," Duterte said in a speech late Saturday.

"I was touching. She woke up. So I left the room."

Duterte recounted telling the priest that he had then returned to the maid's room and again tried to molest her.

Women's rights political party Gabriela denounced Duterte's "repulsive" comments and called for him to resign, saying he had confessed to attempted rape.

"Rape does not happen only through penile insertion. If it is a finger or an object it is considered rape," said Joms Salvador, secretary general of Gabriela.

Responding to the criticism, Duterte's spokesman said Sunday that the president had "made up" and "added and spliced" the story.&nbsp;

"He has made up a laughable anecdote to dramatise the fact of sexual abuse that was inflicted on him and his fellow students when they were in high school," said Salvador Panelo.&nbsp;

Duterte, 73, made the remarks as he blasted the Catholic Church over allegations of sexually abusing children.

The president, who brands the church the "most hypocritical institution" in the mainly Catholic nation, said Saturday that he and his classmates at school were molested during confession.

It was his latest tirade against bishops and priests who have been critical of his drug war which has left more than 5,000 people dead, according to official figures.&nbsp;

Duterte and his aides often dismiss his controversial statements about women as a "joke" or insist they are taken out of context.&nbsp;

Duterte provoked fury in 2016 when during an election campaign speech he said he had wanted to rape a "beautiful" Australian missionary who had been murdered in a Philippine prison riot.

Women's advocates said Duterte's latest comments endangered domestic workers.&nbsp;

More than a million Filipinos work abroad as domestic workers, according to the labour ministry.&nbsp;

"Flaunting abusive practices encourages the rape culture and in this case, sexual abuse of domestic workers," said Jean Enriquez, executive director of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women-Asia Pacific.

Duterte frequently sparks uproar with his comments on women, including rape jokes and boasting about adultery.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte drew outrage Sunday after saying he "touched" his maid when he was a teenager, with women's rights groups accusing him of attempted rape and encouraging sexual abuse. Duterte frequently sparks uproar with his comments on women, including rape jokes and boasting about adultery. In his latest remarks, Duterte recounted a confession he had with a priest in high school, detailing how he had entered the room of his maid while she was sleeping. "I lifted the blanket... I tried to touch what was inside the panty," Duterte said in a speech late Saturday. "I was touching. She woke up. So I left the room." Duterte recounted telling the priest that he had then returned to the maid's room and again tried to molest her. Women's rights political party Gabriela denounced Duterte's "repulsive" comments and called for him to resign, saying he had confessed to attempted rape. "Rape does not happen only through penile insertion. If it is a finger or an object it is considered rape," said Joms Salvador, secretary general of Gabriela. Responding to the criticism, Duterte's spokesman said Sunday that the president had "made up" and "added and spliced" the story. "He has made up a laughable anecdote to dramatise the fact of sexual abuse that was inflicted on him and his fellow students when they were in high school," said Salvador Panelo. Duterte, 73, made the remarks as he blasted the Catholic Church over allegations of sexually abusing children. The president, who brands the church the "most hypocritical institution" in the mainly Catholic nation, said Saturday that he and his classmates at school were molested during confession. It was his latest tirade against bishops and priests who have been critical of his drug war which has left more than 5,000 people dead, according to official figures. Duterte and his aides often dismiss his controversial statements about women as a "joke" or insist they are taken out of context. Duterte provoked fury in 2016 when during an election campaign speech he said he had wanted to rape a "beautiful" Australian missionary who had been murdered in a Philippine prison riot. Women's advocates said Duterte's latest comments endangered domestic workers. More than a million Filipinos work abroad as domestic workers, according to the labour ministry. "Flaunting abusive practices encourages the rape culture and in this case, sexual abuse of domestic workers," said Jean Enriquez, executive director of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women-Asia Pacific.

Philippine President Duterte sparks outrage for saying he 'touched' his maid

Three Philippine policemen were sentenced on Thursday to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, the first conviction of officers carrying out President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs.

Duterte has vowed to pardon authorities involved in his bloody crackdown, but even he refused to defend the 2017 killing of Kian Delos Santos in a dank Manila alley -- which helped spark rare protests against the campaign.

Police said the 17-year-old was a drug courier who fired at them while resisting arrest. However, CCTV footage showed two of the policemen dragging the unarmed boy moments before he was shot dead.

Delos Santos' family erupted in tears in the cramped northern Manila courtroom after the men were convicted of murder and sentenced to reclusion perpetua, which carries a minimum of 20 years behind bars.

"I feel so happy because this proves that my son was innocent and was never involved in drugs," Delos Santos' mother, Lorenza, told reporters.&nbsp;

"(Policemen) can be jailed for life if they do not stop their abusive practices," she added.&nbsp;

Drug war critics hailed the conviction as an example of justice and accountability, which they said have been rare since Duterte unleashed the campaign to rid the Philippines of narcotics in 2016.

Since then police say they have killed nearly 5,000 alleged drug users and pushers who fought against arrest, while rights groups say the true toll is at least triple that and may amount to crimes against humanity.

'Who gave the orders?'

Carlos Conde, a Philippines researcher for Human Rights Watch, told AFP: "This is a warning to the Philippine National Police that they better follow due process and respect the rights of suspects."

However, Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo also welcomed the ruling as he gave assurances the president opposed "intentional killing".

"It shows that this country has a robust judicial system," he added.

Duterte's government has argued a preliminary probe of the drug war killings launched by the International Criminal Court is unjustified because the nation's justice system is functioning.&nbsp;

Rights advocates agreed the decision was important but noted that it only involved low-ranking policemen.&nbsp;

"Who gave the orders? Was this part of a policy? These questions remain unanswered," rights lawyer Romel Bagares told AFP.&nbsp;

Duterte and his drug war are backed by many Filipinos fed up with high crime rates and a slow-moving judicial system.

But the death of Delos Santos, as well as of two other Manila teenagers accused of robbing a taxi driver, triggered rare street protests in 2017 and highlighted concerns about police abuse.

Days after the killing Duterte said in a speech: "It was really bad. That was really not the performance of duty. Do not commit a crime".&nbsp;

It led to Duterte briefly suspending police participation in the drug crackdown for a second time.

The first occasion was in January last year after narcotics police officers were arrested for the kidnapping and murder of a South Korean businessman in 2016.

However, in both instances, the police were reinstated in the campaign without major reforms.

Three Philippine policemen were sentenced on Thursday to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, the first conviction of officers carrying out President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs.

Three Philippine policemen were sentenced on Thursday to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, the first conviction of officers carrying out President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. Duterte has vowed to pardon authorities involved in his bloody crackdown, but even he refused to defend the 2017 killing of Kian Delos Santos in a dank Manila alley -- which helped spark rare protests against the campaign. Police said the 17-year-old was a drug courier who fired at them while resisting arrest. However, CCTV footage showed two of the policemen dragging the unarmed boy moments before he was shot dead. Delos Santos' family erupted in tears in the cramped northern Manila courtroom after the men were convicted of murder and sentenced to reclusion perpetua, which carries a minimum of 20 years behind bars. "I feel so happy because this proves that my son was innocent and was never involved in drugs," Delos Santos' mother, Lorenza, told reporters. "(Policemen) can be jailed for life if they do not stop their abusive practices," she added. Drug war critics hailed the conviction as an example of justice and accountability, which they said have been rare since Duterte unleashed the campaign to rid the Philippines of narcotics in 2016. Since then police say they have killed nearly 5,000 alleged drug users and pushers who fought against arrest, while rights groups say the true toll is at least triple that and may amount to crimes against humanity. 'Who gave the orders?' Carlos Conde, a Philippines researcher for Human Rights Watch, told AFP: "This is a warning to the Philippine National Police that they better follow due process and respect the rights of suspects." However, Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo also welcomed the ruling as he gave assurances the president opposed "intentional killing". "It shows that this country has a robust judicial system," he added. Duterte's government has argued a preliminary probe of the drug war killings launched by the International Criminal Court is unjustified because the nation's justice system is functioning. Rights advocates agreed the decision was important but noted that it only involved low-ranking policemen. "Who gave the orders? Was this part of a policy? These questions remain unanswered," rights lawyer Romel Bagares told AFP. Duterte and his drug war are backed by many Filipinos fed up with high crime rates and a slow-moving judicial system. But the death of Delos Santos, as well as of two other Manila teenagers accused of robbing a taxi driver, triggered rare street protests in 2017 and highlighted concerns about police abuse. Days after the killing Duterte said in a speech: "It was really bad. That was really not the performance of duty. Do not commit a crime". It led to Duterte briefly suspending police participation in the drug crackdown for a second time. The first occasion was in January last year after narcotics police officers were arrested for the kidnapping and murder of a South Korean businessman in 2016. However, in both instances, the police were reinstated in the campaign without major reforms.

First police convictions in Philippine drug war killings

An Australian nun who angered President Rodrigo Duterte departed the Philippines on Saturday following a lengthy legal fight against the government's efforts to expel her.

Sister Patricia Fox was escorted to the airport by about 200 human rights activists who praised her years of service in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation and condemned the administration for forcing her to leave.

"Duterte, expel him, Sister Pat, bring her back," some of the rallyists chanted.

Fox -- who has spent almost three decades working with Philippine labourers, farmers and urban poor -- said she was leaving with sadness but urged her sympathisers to continue helping the disadvantaged.

"I hope (Duterte) listens to the voice of the little people, not just the military, not just the businessmen, but the farmers, the workers, the tribal folk," she said in a pre-departure press conference.

Fox apparently angered the fiery president by joining a fact-finding mission in April to investigate alleged abuses against farmers, including killings and evictions by soldiers fighting guerrillas in the southern Philippines.

She was arrested briefly on charges of violating her visa's terms against activism and the slow turning wheels of the Philippine bureaucracy began moving to strip her of her papers.

Immigration authorities earlier this week refused to extend her tourist visa and ordered the 71-year-old out by Saturday.&nbsp;

She decided to return to Australia rather than risk being forcibly removed.

The country's Catholic leadership, which counts about 80 per cent of Filipinos as followers, bemoaned her scheduled departure, saying "Sister Patricia Fox’s deportation is a blow to the missionary spirit of the church".

"The faith she proclaims is not detrimental to the life of Filipinos. In fact, it is a source of hope and consolation to our suffering countrymen," said Father Jerome Secillano, executive director of the bishops' media affairs office.

However, Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo said: "The departure of Sister Patricia Fox is a timely reminder to all foreigners who stay or sojourn in this country that they are not entitled to all the rights and privileges granted to the citizens of the Philippines".

Church figures have previously criticised Duterte's policies particularly his signature anti-drug campaign that the government has left almost 5,000 people dead since Duterte took office in 2016.

Human rights groups charge that the actual death toll is about five times that total.&nbsp;

Duterte, in turn, has deeply resented criticism from the Church, particularly outsiders, attacking Fox and others in a speech in June, saying "those foreigners who have no reason to meddle, they come here, those sons of whores, you priests... you nuns".

An Australian nun who angered President Rodrigo Duterte departed the Philippines on Saturday following a lengthy legal fight against the government's efforts to expel her.

An Australian nun who angered President Rodrigo Duterte departed the Philippines on Saturday following a lengthy legal fight against the government's efforts to expel her. Sister Patricia Fox was escorted to the airport by about 200 human rights activists who praised her years of service in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation and condemned the administration for forcing her to leave. "Duterte, expel him, Sister Pat, bring her back," some of the rallyists chanted. Fox -- who has spent almost three decades working with Philippine labourers, farmers and urban poor -- said she was leaving with sadness but urged her sympathisers to continue helping the disadvantaged. "I hope (Duterte) listens to the voice of the little people, not just the military, not just the businessmen, but the farmers, the workers, the tribal folk," she said in a pre-departure press conference. Fox apparently angered the fiery president by joining a fact-finding mission in April to investigate alleged abuses against farmers, including killings and evictions by soldiers fighting guerrillas in the southern Philippines. She was arrested briefly on charges of violating her visa's terms against activism and the slow turning wheels of the Philippine bureaucracy began moving to strip her of her papers. Immigration authorities earlier this week refused to extend her tourist visa and ordered the 71-year-old out by Saturday. She decided to return to Australia rather than risk being forcibly removed. The country's Catholic leadership, which counts about 80 per cent of Filipinos as followers, bemoaned her scheduled departure, saying "Sister Patricia Fox’s deportation is a blow to the missionary spirit of the church". "The faith she proclaims is not detrimental to the life of Filipinos. In fact, it is a source of hope and consolation to our suffering countrymen," said Father Jerome Secillano, executive director of the bishops' media affairs office. However, Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo said: "The departure of Sister Patricia Fox is a timely reminder to all foreigners who stay or sojourn in this country that they are not entitled to all the rights and privileges granted to the citizens of the Philippines". Church figures have previously criticised Duterte's policies particularly his signature anti-drug campaign that the government has left almost 5,000 people dead since Duterte took office in 2016. Human rights groups charge that the actual death toll is about five times that total. Duterte, in turn, has deeply resented criticism from the Church, particularly outsiders, attacking Fox and others in a speech in June, saying "those foreigners who have no reason to meddle, they come here, those sons of whores, you priests... you nuns".

Australian nun Patricia who angered Duterte leaves Philippines

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has told a UN human rights expert who said the country's judicial independence was under threat to 'go to hell', warning against interference in domestic affairs.

The Philippine Supreme Court voted last month to remove Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, whom Duterte had called an "enemy" for voting against controversial government proposals, citing violations in the way she was appointed.

Her dismissal is sending a chilling message to other supreme court judges and members of the judiciary, Diego García-Sayán, special UN rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, said on Friday.

"Tell him not to interfere with the affairs of my country. He can go to hell," Duterte told a news conference late Saturday night, prior to leaving for an official visit to South Korea.

The outspoken Philippine leader is known for defying international pressure and his diatribes against critics.

In particular, he has railed against former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama and UN&nbsp;special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, Agnes Callamard, for criticising the bloody war on drugs, his signature public safety project.

Sereno, the first chief justice to be removed by her peers, had voted against several of the Duterte's proposals including the extension of martial rule in the volatile southern Philippines.

Rodrigo Duterte has told a UN human rights expert who said the country's judicial independence was under threat to 'go to hell', warning against interference in domestic affairs

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has told a UN human rights expert who said the country's judicial independence was under threat to 'go to hell', warning against interference in domestic affairs. The Philippine Supreme Court voted last month to remove Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, whom Duterte had called an "enemy" for voting against controversial government proposals, citing violations in the way she was appointed. Her dismissal is sending a chilling message to other supreme court judges and members of the judiciary, Diego García-Sayán, special UN rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, said on Friday. "Tell him not to interfere with the affairs of my country. He can go to hell," Duterte told a news conference late Saturday night, prior to leaving for an official visit to South Korea. The outspoken Philippine leader is known for defying international pressure and his diatribes against critics. In particular, he has railed against former US President Barack Obama and UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, Agnes Callamard, for criticising the bloody war on drugs, his signature public safety project. Sereno, the first chief justice to be removed by her peers, had voted against several of the Duterte's proposals including the extension of martial rule in the volatile southern Philippines.

Go to hell, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte tells UN human rights expert

The Philippines is prepared to go to war if military personnel are harmed in disputed waters, a top security official said&nbsp;on Wednesday, firing back at criticism the government was going soft on China and allowing it to militarise the South China Sea.

President Rodrigo Duterte has taken flak in recent weeks for not confronting Beijing following news that China had installed missile systems on artificial islands in the busy waterway, including areas within Manila's Exclusive Economic Zone.

Political opponents are outraged at his government's failure even to lodge a diplomatic protest, but Duterte, unlike his predecessor, enjoys good relations with Beijing and wants its investment, often saying he cannot afford to go to war with a far superior China.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said the Philippines would always try to pursue talks to defuse tension, but war could not be ruled out as a last resort if its military was provoked or aggrieved.

"The other night, the president said if his troops are harmed, that could be his red line," Esperon told reporters.

The remarks echoed&nbsp;Monday's&nbsp;comments by Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano to foreign service members that Duterte had told China he would not allow any unsanctioned construction in the Scarborough Shoal or resource extraction in areas where the Philippines had sovereign rights.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which about $3-trillion worth of goods passes every year. It has made substantial progress in fortifying its manmade islands in the past few years, which it says it has the right to defend.

Last week, the Philippines expressed "serious concern" over the presence of China's strategic bombers in the disputed waters, but its response to the installation of missile systems was muted.

Rodrigo Duterte has taken flak in recent weeks for not confronting Beijing following news that China had installed missile systems on artificial islands in the busy waterway

The Philippines is prepared to go to war if military personnel are harmed in disputed waters, a top security official said on Wednesday, firing back at criticism the government was going soft on China and allowing it to militarise the South China Sea. President Rodrigo Duterte has taken flak in recent weeks for not confronting Beijing following news that China had installed missile systems on artificial islands in the busy waterway, including areas within Manila's Exclusive Economic Zone. Political opponents are outraged at his government's failure even to lodge a diplomatic protest, but Duterte, unlike his predecessor, enjoys good relations with Beijing and wants its investment, often saying he cannot afford to go to war with a far superior China. National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said the Philippines would always try to pursue talks to defuse tension, but war could not be ruled out as a last resort if its military was provoked or aggrieved. "The other night, the president said if his troops are harmed, that could be his red line," Esperon told reporters. The remarks echoed Monday's comments by Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano to foreign service members that Duterte had told China he would not allow any unsanctioned construction in the Scarborough Shoal or resource extraction in areas where the Philippines had sovereign rights. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which about $3-trillion worth of goods passes every year. It has made substantial progress in fortifying its manmade islands in the past few years, which it says it has the right to defend. Last week, the Philippines expressed "serious concern" over the presence of China's strategic bombers in the disputed waters, but its response to the installation of missile systems was muted.

Ready for war if troops harmed in disputed South China Sea: Philippines

A Philippine mayor accused of involvement in narcotics trafficking survived an ambush&nbspon Sunday, police said, four months after President Rodrigo Duterte publicly threatened to kill him.

Retired police chief superintendent Vicente Loot, a mayor in the central province of Cebu, had been repeatedly named by Duterte as one of the so-called "narco-generals" protecting the illegal drug trade.&nbsp

Loot&nbspon Sunday&nbspwas on a boat arriving with his family at a port in the Cebu town of Daanbantayan when unidentified gunmen opened fire and wounded four people, police said. The mayor was unhurt.&nbsp

"We are looking at all possible motives and angles, including his being tagged in the narco-list, politics, or his previous work in the police force," acting town police chief Senior Inspector Irish Dilem told.&nbsp

Loot told radio DZMM he was urging authorities to investigate the incident but refused to speculate on the motive. He denies links to drugs

Duterte has launched an unprecedented war on drugs which has cost thousands of lives. He first named Loot in 2016 as part of his so-called "drug list" of local officials, policemen and judges whom he accused of involvement in narcotics trafficking.&nbsp

Three other mayors on the list have since been shot dead, one of them while inside a jail cell.&nbsp

Duterte had lashed out as Loot as he questioned the source of the mayor's wealth. In December 2017 he recounted a conversation he said he had with the official.&nbsp

"Did I not tell you during my meeting with (mayors), I told Loot, 'You son of a whore. General Loot, you are a general. I will kill you'. Because (he) used government for wrongdoing," Duterte said during a disaster briefing.&nbsp &nbsp

Duterte's spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment&nbspon Sunday's&nbspambush.&nbsp

The ambush came on the eve of local elections&nbspon Monday&nbspand two weeks after authorities released a list of over 200 elected officials with alleged links to drugs.

Rights groups criticised the issuance of what they called a potential "hit list".&nbsp

Three other mayors on the list have since been shot dead, one of them while inside a jail cell

A Philippine mayor accused of involvement in narcotics trafficking survived an ambush&nbspon Sunday, police said, four months after President Rodrigo Duterte publicly threatened to kill him. Retired police chief superintendent Vicente Loot, a mayor in the central province of Cebu, had been repeatedly named by Duterte as one of the so-called "narco-generals" protecting the illegal drug trade. Loot&nbspon Sunday&nbspwas on a boat arriving with his family at a port in the Cebu town of Daanbantayan when unidentified gunmen opened fire and wounded four people, police said. The mayor was unhurt. "We are looking at all possible motives and angles, including his being tagged in the narco-list, politics, or his previous work in the police force," acting town police chief Senior Inspector Irish Dilem told. Loot told radio DZMM he was urging authorities to investigate the incident but refused to speculate on the motive. He denies links to drugs Duterte has launched an unprecedented war on drugs which has cost thousands of lives. He first named Loot in 2016 as part of his so-called "drug list" of local officials, policemen and judges whom he accused of involvement in narcotics trafficking. Three other mayors on the list have since been shot dead, one of them while inside a jail cell. Duterte had lashed out as Loot as he questioned the source of the mayor's wealth. In December 2017 he recounted a conversation he said he had with the official. "Did I not tell you during my meeting with (mayors), I told Loot, 'You son of a whore. General Loot, you are a general. I will kill you'. Because (he) used government for wrongdoing," Duterte said during a disaster briefing. Duterte's spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment&nbspon Sunday's&nbspambush. The ambush came on the eve of local elections&nbspon Monday&nbspand two weeks after authorities released a list of over 200 elected officials with alleged links to drugs. Rights groups criticised the issuance of what they called a potential "hit list".

Philippine mayor survives ambush after Duterte threat

The Philippines decried what it said was interference in its internal affairs by the European Parliament, which urged the Southeast Asian nation in a resolution to end "extrajudicial killings" and halt plans to bring back the death penalty.

About 4,100 people have been killed by police in the Philippines since President Rodrigo Duterte took power in late June 2016 in what the authorities say were shootouts during anti-narcotics operations. Activists say many of those killings were executions, which police deny.

At least 2,300 drug-related deaths have occurred separately, at the hands of what police say are unknown assassins.

The European lawmakers on Thursday condemned Philippine authorities for "trying to justify these murders with falsified evidence", which Manila said was meddling and based on wrong information.

"The European Parliament has crossed a red line when it called for unwarranted actions against the Philippines," Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement late on Thursday.

The European Parliament and its members have criticised the Philippines'&nbspbrutal anti-narcotics crackdown several times, infuriating Duterte, who has directed his frustration on the European Union, rather than its legislative branch.

The EU is an important source of development aid, commerce and investment for the Philippines.

European lawmakers also called on Manila to remove what they called human rights defenders from its list of what it considers as "terrorists", including Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, the United Nations special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples.

They also condemned "the intimidation and the abuse" of human rights activists and journalists, and said Duterte`s push to reintroduce the death penalty was against its international obligations.

"In case the members of the European Parliament are not aware of it, may we remind them that their recommended actions already constitute interference in the affairs of a sovereign state," Cayetano added.

He said the resolution was based on "biased, incomplete and even wrong information and does not reflect the true situation on the ground".

The New York-based Human Rights Watch applauded the European Parliament for adopting the resolution and for its support for international efforts to investigate the Philippine crackdown.&nbsp

"It is a timely and forceful message from the EU parliamentarians putting President Duterte and his backers on notice - that continued grave abuses will come at a price," its researcher, Carlos Conde, said in a statement.

About 4,100 people have been killed by police in the Philippines since President Rodrigo Duterte took power in late June 2016 in what the authorities say were shootouts during anti-narcotics operations. Activists say many of those killings were executions, which police deny

The Philippines decried what it said was interference in its internal affairs by the European Parliament, which urged the Southeast Asian nation in a resolution to end "extrajudicial killings" and halt plans to bring back the death penalty. About 4,100 people have been killed by police in the Philippines since President Rodrigo Duterte took power in late June 2016 in what the authorities say were shootouts during anti-narcotics operations. Activists say many of those killings were executions, which police deny. At least 2,300 drug-related deaths have occurred separately, at the hands of what police say are unknown assassins. The European lawmakers on Thursday condemned Philippine authorities for "trying to justify these murders with falsified evidence", which Manila said was meddling and based on wrong information. "The European Parliament has crossed a red line when it called for unwarranted actions against the Philippines," Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement late on Thursday. The European Parliament and its members have criticised the Philippines'&nbspbrutal anti-narcotics crackdown several times, infuriating Duterte, who has directed his frustration on the European Union, rather than its legislative branch. The EU is an important source of development aid, commerce and investment for the Philippines. European lawmakers also called on Manila to remove what they called human rights defenders from its list of what it considers as "terrorists", including Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, the United Nations special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples. They also condemned "the intimidation and the abuse" of human rights activists and journalists, and said Duterte`s push to reintroduce the death penalty was against its international obligations. "In case the members of the European Parliament are not aware of it, may we remind them that their recommended actions already constitute interference in the affairs of a sovereign state," Cayetano added. He said the resolution was based on "biased, incomplete and even wrong information and does not reflect the true situation on the ground". The New York-based Human Rights Watch applauded the European Parliament for adopting the resolution and for its support for international efforts to investigate the Philippine crackdown. "It is a timely and forceful message from the EU parliamentarians putting President Duterte and his backers on notice - that continued grave abuses will come at a price," its researcher, Carlos Conde, said in a statement.

Philippines decries European Parliament's 'interference' in alleged execustions matter

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday called for other signatories of the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court (ICC) to join his country in withdrawing from the treaty.

Duterte&#39;s comments during a speech to graduating cadets at the Philippine Military Academy in northern Philippines comes after ICC prosecutors last month opened a preliminary examination into the president&#39;s &quot;war on drugs&quot;, which has led to the death of thousands since it began in July 2016.

The Southeast Asian nation last week notified the United Nations secretary-general of its decision to withdraw from the ICC because of what the outspoken Philippine leader called &quot;outrageous&quot; attacks by UN&nbsp;officials and violations of due process.

&quot;I will convince everybody now under the treaty to get out, get out,&quot; Duterte said. &quot;It is not a document that was prepared by anybody, it&#39;s EU-sponsored.&quot;

About 4,000 Filipinos have been killed by police in the past 19 months in a brutal crackdown that has alarmed the international community. Activists believe the death toll is far higher.

Police say those thousands of deaths were during legitimate anti-drugs operations in which the suspects had violently resisted arrest.

About 4,000 Filipinos have been killed by police in the past 19 months in a brutal crackdown that has alarmed the international community

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday called for other signatories of the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court (ICC) to join his country in withdrawing from the treaty. Duterte's comments during a speech to graduating cadets at the Philippine Military Academy in northern Philippines comes after ICC prosecutors last month opened a preliminary examination into the president's "war on drugs", which has led to the death of thousands since it began in July 2016. The Southeast Asian nation last week notified the United Nations secretary-general of its decision to withdraw from the ICC because of what the outspoken Philippine leader called "outrageous" attacks by UN officials and violations of due process. "I will convince everybody now under the treaty to get out, get out," Duterte said. "It is not a document that was prepared by anybody, it's EU-sponsored." About 4,000 Filipinos have been killed by police in the past 19 months in a brutal crackdown that has alarmed the international community. Activists believe the death toll is far higher. Police say those thousands of deaths were during legitimate anti-drugs operations in which the suspects had violently resisted arrest.

Philippines' Duterte calls for mass withdrawal from ICC

The Philippines has given official notice to the United Nations that it is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, which is probing President Rodrigo Duterte&#39;s deadly drug war, Manila said Friday.

The move comes two days after Duterte announced his nation would quit the court, and triggered warnings Friday from a top tribunal official that it would harm global efforts to end impunity for the world&#39;s worst crimes.

The ICC, based in The Hague, last month launched a preliminary inquiry into Duterte&#39;s bloody crackdown on narcotics, amid allegations that actions by Philippine security forces amount to crimes against humanity.

Philippine police say they have killed roughly 4,000 suspects who fought back during arrest, but rights groups allege the actual number is three times higher and accuse the authorities of murder.

The ICC opened in 2002 to try abuses in countries where national courts cannot or will not prosecute. Manila joined the Rome Statute in 2011.

But on Thursday the Philippines said in a letter to the UN, which oversaw negotiations to found the court, that it was pulling out of the Rome Statute, the tribunal&#39;s founding guidelines.

&quot;The decision to withdraw is the Philippines&#39; principled stand against those who would politicise and weaponise human rights,&quot; the letter said.

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, speaking from Manila, said the Philippines was quitting due to &quot;the well-orchestrated campaign to mislead the international community, to crucify President Duterte... by distorting the human rights situation in the country&quot;.

But the tribunal urged Manila to reconsider its decision, and the president of its governing body, the assembly of state parties (ASP), said he deeply regretted the move.

&quot;A state party withdrawing from the Rome Statute would negatively impact our collective efforts towards fighting impunity&rdquo;, said ASP president, O-Gon Kwon.

&quot;The ICC needs the strong support of the international community to ensure its effectiveness. I encourage the Philippines to remain as a party to the Rome Statute.&quot;

Officially quitting the court requires a year&#39;s notice and does not stop the ICC from continuing its investigation of the killings, which have drawn international concern.

&#39;No impact&#39; on ICC probe&nbsp;

&quot;A withdrawal would have no impact on ongoing proceedings or any matter which was already under consideration by the court prior to the date on which the withdrawal became effective,&quot; the ICC said Friday, its first comment since Duterte&#39;s announcement.

&quot;The court encourages the Philippines to not follow through with the reported/stated intention to withdraw, as it is... an integral part of the international criminal justice system,&quot; it added.

Should the Philippines fully withdraw from the court it would not be the first to do so, as Burundi became the first ever nation to leave in October 2017.

The Philippines said in its letter that it &quot;affirms its commitment to fight against impunity for atrocity crimes&quot;, despite its withdrawal.

Duterte, who is buoyed by high popularity ratings at home, has fiercely defended the drug war as a battle to bring safety to the nation&#39;s 100 million people.

He has frequently urged authorities to kill drug suspects while promising to protect police from legal sanction.

The move comes two days after Duterte announced his nation would quit the court, and triggered warnings Friday from a top tribunal official that it would harm global efforts to end impunity for the world's worst crimes.

The Philippines has given official notice to the United Nations that it is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, which is probing President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly drug war, Manila said Friday. The move comes two days after Duterte announced his nation would quit the court, and triggered warnings Friday from a top tribunal official that it would harm global efforts to end impunity for the world's worst crimes. The ICC, based in The Hague, last month launched a preliminary inquiry into Duterte's bloody crackdown on narcotics, amid allegations that actions by Philippine security forces amount to crimes against humanity. Philippine police say they have killed roughly 4,000 suspects who fought back during arrest, but rights groups allege the actual number is three times higher and accuse the authorities of murder. The ICC opened in 2002 to try abuses in countries where national courts cannot or will not prosecute. Manila joined the Rome Statute in 2011. But on Thursday the Philippines said in a letter to the UN, which oversaw negotiations to found the court, that it was pulling out of the Rome Statute, the tribunal's founding guidelines. "The decision to withdraw is the Philippines' principled stand against those who would politicise and weaponise human rights," the letter said. Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, speaking from Manila, said the Philippines was quitting due to "the well-orchestrated campaign to mislead the international community, to crucify President Duterte... by distorting the human rights situation in the country". But the tribunal urged Manila to reconsider its decision, and the president of its governing body, the assembly of state parties (ASP), said he deeply regretted the move. "A state party withdrawing from the Rome Statute would negatively impact our collective efforts towards fighting impunity”, said ASP president, O-Gon Kwon. "The ICC needs the strong support of the international community to ensure its effectiveness. I encourage the Philippines to remain as a party to the Rome Statute." Officially quitting the court requires a year's notice and does not stop the ICC from continuing its investigation of the killings, which have drawn international concern. 'No impact' on ICC probe "A withdrawal would have no impact on ongoing proceedings or any matter which was already under consideration by the court prior to the date on which the withdrawal became effective," the ICC said Friday, its first comment since Duterte's announcement. "The court encourages the Philippines to not follow through with the reported/stated intention to withdraw, as it is... an integral part of the international criminal justice system," it added. Should the Philippines fully withdraw from the court it would not be the first to do so, as Burundi became the first ever nation to leave in October 2017. The Philippines said in its letter that it "affirms its commitment to fight against impunity for atrocity crimes", despite its withdrawal. Duterte, who is buoyed by high popularity ratings at home, has fiercely defended the drug war as a battle to bring safety to the nation's 100 million people. He has frequently urged authorities to kill drug suspects while promising to protect police from legal sanction.

Philippines tells UN it will quit International Criminal Court

President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday he was pulling the Philippines out of the treaty underpinning the International Criminal Court, which is examining his deadly drug war.

The outspoken leader, who is accused of stoking the killing of drug suspects with inflammatory statements, has fiercely pushed back since the Philippines became the first southeast Asian nation put under &quot;preliminary examination&quot; by the court&#39;s prosecutors.

The ICC announced last month it was launching a study of the killings, which Philippine police put at 4,000 but rights groups say is actually triple that number.

Officially quitting the court requires a year&#39;s notice and experts say pulling out does not preclude an investigation of the deaths, which have drawn international concern.

&quot;It is apparent that the ICC is being utilised as a political tool against the Philippines,&quot; Duterte said in a statement, adding the ICC examination was &quot;unduly and maliciously created&quot;.

&quot;I therefore declare and forthwith give notice... that the Philippines is withdrawing its ratification of the Rome Statute effective immediately,&quot; he added.

Opened in 2002, the ICC is the world&#39;s only permanent war crimes court and aims to prosecute the worst abuses when national courts are unable or unwilling.

The Philippines, under previous President Benigno Aquino, ratified in 2011 the Rome Statute which underpins the ICC, giving the tribunal authority to investigate crimes on its soil.

Rights advocates and attorneys said quitting the court would not eliminate the possibility of a case before it.

&quot;The Philippines&#39; intention to walk away from the International Criminal Court is unfortunate, but it doesn&#39;t shut the door on the prosecutor&#39;s scrutiny of the government&#39;s horrendous track record of grave abuses,&quot; said Param-Preet Singh of Human Rights Watch.

- &#39;Unprecedented, outrageous attacks&#39; - 
Celeste Mallari, a professor at the Philippines College of Law, said the court can &quot;investigate any acts that have been done from the time the Philippines became a member of the ICC... until one year after we gave our notice of withdrawal&quot;.

However, should the Philippines fully withdraw from the court it would not be the first to do so, as Burundi became the first ever nation to leave in October 2017.

In a wave of unprecedented defections, other African nations -- Zambia, South Africa, Kenya and Gambia -- have also made moves to quit or expressed interest to withdraw as they accused the court of being biased against Africans.

Russia in 2016 dealt the ICC another blow by withdrawing its signature from the Rome Statute.

Duterte, who is buoyed by high popularity ratings in the Philippines, has fiercely defended the drug war as a battle to bring safety to the nation&#39;s 100 million people.

On Wednesday he repeated that defence, citing &quot;baseless, unprecedented and outrageous attacks on his person as well my administration&quot;.

&quot;The acts allegedly committed by me are neither genocide nor war crimes. The deaths occurring in the process of legitimate police operations lacked the intent to kill,&quot; he added.

But even as early as October 13, 2016, when Duterte had only been in office less than four months, the ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in a statement that she was &quot;deeply concerned&quot; over reports of extra-judicial killings of over 3,000 alleged drug users and pushers.

Adding pressure on Manila, in February, the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva raised the country&#39;s human rights record, with Icelandic Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson calling on the Philippines to accept the visit of a UN Special Rapporteur.

Philippine officials had initially said in February that the country was ready to cooperate but asked for fairness.

Duterte&#39;s spokesman Harry Roque also said they would refuse a visit by one such rapporteur Agnes Callamard, who had previously been pressing to investigate the killings.

But Roque has also said the ICC has no jurisdiction over the case because the tribunal was intended as a &quot;court of last resort&quot; and the Philippine courts were fully functioning.

The court is examining his deadly war on drugs which has so far left between 4,000 to 12,000 people dead

President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday he was pulling the Philippines out of the treaty underpinning the International Criminal Court, which is examining his deadly drug war. The outspoken leader, who is accused of stoking the killing of drug suspects with inflammatory statements, has fiercely pushed back since the Philippines became the first southeast Asian nation put under "preliminary examination" by the court's prosecutors. The ICC announced last month it was launching a study of the killings, which Philippine police put at 4,000 but rights groups say is actually triple that number. Officially quitting the court requires a year's notice and experts say pulling out does not preclude an investigation of the deaths, which have drawn international concern. "It is apparent that the ICC is being utilised as a political tool against the Philippines," Duterte said in a statement, adding the ICC examination was "unduly and maliciously created". "I therefore declare and forthwith give notice... that the Philippines is withdrawing its ratification of the Rome Statute effective immediately," he added. Opened in 2002, the ICC is the world's only permanent war crimes court and aims to prosecute the worst abuses when national courts are unable or unwilling. The Philippines, under previous President Benigno Aquino, ratified in 2011 the Rome Statute which underpins the ICC, giving the tribunal authority to investigate crimes on its soil. Rights advocates and attorneys said quitting the court would not eliminate the possibility of a case before it. "The Philippines' intention to walk away from the International Criminal Court is unfortunate, but it doesn't shut the door on the prosecutor's scrutiny of the government's horrendous track record of grave abuses," said Param-Preet Singh of Human Rights Watch. - 'Unprecedented, outrageous attacks' - Celeste Mallari, a professor at the Philippines College of Law, said the court can "investigate any acts that have been done from the time the Philippines became a member of the ICC... until one year after we gave our notice of withdrawal". However, should the Philippines fully withdraw from the court it would not be the first to do so, as Burundi became the first ever nation to leave in October 2017. In a wave of unprecedented defections, other African nations -- Zambia, South Africa, Kenya and Gambia -- have also made moves to quit or expressed interest to withdraw as they accused the court of being biased against Africans. Russia in 2016 dealt the ICC another blow by withdrawing its signature from the Rome Statute. Duterte, who is buoyed by high popularity ratings in the Philippines, has fiercely defended the drug war as a battle to bring safety to the nation's 100 million people. On Wednesday he repeated that defence, citing "baseless, unprecedented and outrageous attacks on his person as well my administration". "The acts allegedly committed by me are neither genocide nor war crimes. The deaths occurring in the process of legitimate police operations lacked the intent to kill," he added. But even as early as October 13, 2016, when Duterte had only been in office less than four months, the ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in a statement that she was "deeply concerned" over reports of extra-judicial killings of over 3,000 alleged drug users and pushers. Adding pressure on Manila, in February, the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva raised the country's human rights record, with Icelandic Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson calling on the Philippines to accept the visit of a UN Special Rapporteur. Philippine officials had initially said in February that the country was ready to cooperate but asked for fairness. Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque also said they would refuse a visit by one such rapporteur Agnes Callamard, who had previously been pressing to investigate the killings. But Roque has also said the ICC has no jurisdiction over the case because the tribunal was intended as a "court of last resort" and the Philippine courts were fully functioning.

Philippines' Duterte moves to quit International Criminal Court

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