Political situation in the Philippines

Critics urge: Don't let Duterte get away

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has eluded justice for far too long. This is what ex-senator Leila de Lima, one of Duterte's most vocal critics, says during a Senate hearing.

According to the AP, Duterte admits that there was a "death squad" whose job it was to kill criminals during his time as mayor of Davao. Leila de Lima says there is compelling evidence and is now calling for witnesses to come forward.

- We have not held him accountable during all these years.

Duterte was mayor of Davao for ten years in the 80s and 90s, long before he became president. Thousands of people are said to have been killed during Duterte's "war on drugs".

Leila de Lima was arrested early in Duterte's presidency, accused of what she said was a fabricated drug crime. 

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Duterte admits: There was a "death squad" in Davao

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte admits that during his time as mayor of the city of Davao, there was a "death squad" tasked with killing criminals. He says that in a hearing in the Senate according to Reuters.

- I can admit it now if you want, he said during the hearing.

However, Duterte found it difficult to answer who made up the group. One moment he said it was the police, the next moment he said it was criminals.