Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures while addressing the Philippine Army Scout Rangers during his visit to their headquarters at Camp Tecson in San Miguel township, north of Manila, Philippines Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016. A former Filipino militiaman testified before the country's Senate that President Duterte, when he was still a mayor, ordered him and other members of a squad to kill criminals and opponents in assaults that left about 1,000 dead. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) Bullit Marquez
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Duterte wants time for drug war
PHILIPPINES President Rodrigo Duterte says he needs more time to finish his war on the drug trade.
"I did not realise how severe and how serious the problem of drug menace in this republic was until I became President,” Mr Duterte told a media conference.
"Just give me a little extension of maybe another six months.”
Human rights groups estimate more than 3500 people have been killed by police or vigilantes since Mr Duterte came to power in July.
Fearing for their lives, more than 700,000 drug pushers and users have surrendered to authorities.
