MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, which has received strong criticisms both at home and abroad, earned him the recognition of “Person of the Year” for 2017. “The global panel of nine corruption-fighting journalists, scholars and activists chose Duterte on the strength of his brutal war on drugs,” OCCRP said. Duterte was a runner-up in 2016—the same year when he assumed office with a vow to eradicate illegal drugs within six months. Duterte’s war on drugs has claimed over 12,000 lives, including as much as 60 young individuals, according to rights watchdog. READ: Amid rights outcry, Palace insists on drug war accomplishments in yearend reportBut the government has disputed these numbers.

Source: Philippine Star December 29, 2017 09:56 UTC