MANILA - The bloody crime war that has claimed nearly 3,000 lives in the Philippines in just two months was dubbed a "success" on Sunday by a spokesman for controversial President Rodrigo Duterte. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a press conference in Davao City on Sept 5, 2016. Martin Andanar insisted many of those slain have been killed in "gang wars" and not by shadowy vigilantes encouraged by the president, as critics have alleged. By the end of last week, at least 1,466 people have been killed by police in anti-drug operations since Duterte took office, police spokesman Senior Superintendent Dionardo Carlos said. Obama cancelled his meeting but later told the fiery Philippine leader in a brief encounter that he should conduct his crime war "the right way".

Source: Bangkok Post September 11, 2016 09:11 UTC