Philippine President-Elect Rodrigo Duterte Vows To Bring Back Death Penalty?

Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said he will seek to return the death penalty, in his first comments to reporters since last week's election. 

He added that he would also seek to give security forces shoot-to-kill powers for suspects who evade arrest and those involved in organised crime.

It is unclear how easily he could enact such proposals, but analysts credit his success to his tough stance on crime. He is set to be sworn into office on 30 June for a term of six years. 

While official election results have not yet been announced, Mr Duterte has an unassailable lead. He will need the backing of Congress to see through his plans. 

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday in the southern city of Davao, Mr Duterte is also quoted as saying that he wanted to forge closer relations with China, and that he was open to direct talks over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has taken one of its claims to a court of arbitration at the Hague. 

Controversial record Mr Duterte's record as the crime-crushing mayor of the southern city of Davao, once notorious for its lawlessness, has earned him the moniker The Punisher. 

"What I will do is urge Congress to restore death penalty by hanging," Mr Duterte told reporters. The Philippines abolished capital punishment in 2006.

"If you resist, show violent resistance, my order to police (will be) to shoot to kill. Shoot to kill for organised crime. 

You heard that? Shoot to kill for every organised crime," he is quoted by the AFP news agency as saying.

Source: BBC...More...