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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Steffie Banatvala

Who is Rodrigo Duterte? Ex-president nicknamed ‘The Punisher’ for Philippines bloody war on drugs

Rodrigo Duterte The Punisher Philippines ICC Police Davao
Philippines Duterte's Chaotic Arrest - (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Former president of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte rose to power saying he "would be happy to slaughter" the millions of drug addicts that he said were destroying his country through crime.

During his presidency from 2016 to 2022, Duterte styled himself as an anti-drug crusader, whose ruthless "war on drugs" saw thousands killed.

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