Duterte’s Drug War Becomes Flashpoint in Philippines Rivalry
- Ex-leader offers ‘no apologies’ for his anti-drug campaign
- Duterte admits to having ‘death squad’ to carry out his orders
This article is for subscribers only.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte defended his drug war that killed thousands at a congressional inquiry that’s taking place amid a deepening feud between his clan and incumbent leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies, no excuses. I did what I had to do and whether you believe it or not, I did it for my country,” Duterte said at the Senate probe on Monday. It was the first time the former leader showed up at an inquiry by lawmakers into his anti-drug campaign since his term ended in 2022.