source:
http://www.afr.com/news/world/asia/philippines-war-on-drugs-and-crime-intensifies-20170817-gxyoehPhilippines war on drugs and crime intensifiesAt least 26 people died overnight in police operations in Manila, in a second night of heavy bloodshed this week that appears to be an intensification of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's fierce war on drugs and crime.
The killings across Manila followed 32 deaths in near-simultaneous police raids on Monday night in Bulacan province, which borders the capital. Together, they mark the deadliest period of a drugs-focused crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, and caused international alarm, since Duterte took office over a year ago.
Colonel Erwin Margarejo, spokesman for Manila police, described the raids that started late on Wednesday in Manila as "one-time, big-time" operations, the same term used by police in Bulacan, who said the victims died because they chose to put up a fight.
"This is one-time, big-time operations, so it is not focused only on drugs; we are operating also against other street crimes, like robbery, but these people could also be under the influence of drugs," Margarejo said.
Rodrigo Duterte shows documents containing a list of suspected drug dealers and users.
Aaron FavilaRead more:
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