Philippines

Thirty years ago most of Southeast Asia was run by thuggish dictatorships. Then the Philippines showed the rest of the world how to get rid of dictators without violence, and its non-violent example was watched and copied around the world. But now the thugs are coming back to where it all started.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has described European lawmakers as "crazies" in a salty-tongued rebuttal to criticism of his deadly drug war, while vowing again that all traffickers will be killed.

Turkey and the Philippines have signed an agreement to increase cooperation in culture and tourism.

Speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony in Istanbul on Feb. 16, Culture and Tourism Minister Nabi Avcı said the two countries had the potential to boost tourism not only through bilateral projects but also through joint projects with third countries.    

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced Feb. 2 the military would take a leading role in his deadly drug war, while vowing to kill more traffickers and addicts.

A Philippine provincial newspaper publisher has been shot dead after writing a column alleging official negligence over a recently discovered methamphetamine laboratory, in the first killing of a journalist during the country's war on drugs. 

China has returned a U.S. underwater drone taken by one of its naval vessels in the disputed South China Sea last week after what it said were friendly talks with the United States, which reiterated its criticism of the "unlawful" seizure.
 

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he personally killed suspected criminals when he was mayor of a southern city to set an example for police.  

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte lashed out anew at the United States on Oct. 25 and said it could forget a bilateral defense deal if he stayed in power long enough, in the latest jarring statement from Manila about the future of the alliance.

A shocking video has emerged showing two men killing a suspected drug dealer in the middle of the road in the Philippines. The alleged drug dealer is held with his hands tied behind his back by two men.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said Sept. 28 that he will soon end joint military exercises with the United States, a move that could further dampen relations with Manila's longtime ally after the controversial leader branded U.S. President Barack Obama a "son of a whore."