Presumptive Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has indicated he will reimpose the death penalty, in some of his first policy pronouncements since winning last week’s election based on an unofficial count.
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In a wide-ranging news conference, held in his southern hometown of Davao City, Duterte struck a tough tone on Sunday, stating he would order a major offensive to destroy Abu Sayyaf extremists on southern Jolo Island, even if their human rights are trampled in the process.
He also signalled a possible thawing of ties with China.
The announcements, a sharp departure from current government policy, reflect his brash campaign pledge to end crime and corruption in the impoverished nation in three to six months.
Police officials have said the plan is undoable, and that crime remains prevalent in Davao city, where Duterte has served as mayor for more than 22 years.