Former president to run in his home city of Davao despite ICC’s investigation into possible crime against humanity

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has drawn criticism for kissing an overseas Filipina worker on the lips during a live event.

HE’S been nicknamed The Punisher for his brutal war on drugs which has claimed thousands of lives.

I had to declare martial law in the Mindanao group of islands

Administration officials said the call to Mr. Duterte was one of several to Southeast Asian leaders that the White House arranged after picking up signs that the leaders felt neglected because of Mr. Trump’s intense focus on China, Japan and tensions over North Korea.

A 7.2-MAGNITUDE earthquake has struck off the coast of the island of Mindanao in the Philippines prompting a tsunami warning.

Under the Philippines constitution, martial law can be imposed for up to 60 days in circumstances involving an invasion or armed rebellion.

The US had previously said it was “deeply concerned” about the campaign against drugs, and urged the government to ensure that law enforcement officers comply with the country’s “human rights obligation.”

A FLURRY of fresh military exercises is highlighting rising tensions in the Asia Pacific, with China and Russia today joining forces to practice seizing islands and hunting submarines.

On Wednesday he is to attend a gala dinner with both Obama and Ban, as well as join a meeting that the two leaders will have with ASEAN heads of state and government.

The figure is higher than the 900 deaths previously cited by officials

China has caused irreparable harm to the ecosystem of the Spratly Islands and breached the Philippines' sovereign rights, the Hague Tribunal has ruled.

Hall had been held hostage on a remote southern island with three other people since September of last year.

EVEN before Philippines president-elect Rodrigo Duterte told citizens he would give a medal to anyone who shot dead a drug dealer in a national address at the weekend, the bodies were starting to pile up.

Rodrigo Duterte’s truculent defiance of political tradition has drawn comparisons with U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, as have his references to his libido.

Philippines President Benigno Aquino on Monday said he would do his best to prevent the family of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos f-rom returning to power.