Many small-time users and dealers have been killed in the Philippines since Duterte took office on June 30. Police say about one-third of the victims were shot by officers in self-defence during legitimate operations.

Photo by: Reuters

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a meeting with soldiers at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, in this file photo.

Human rights groups say around 9,000 people have been killed in the Philippines since President Duterte announced his war on drugs last year.

They were killed during police drugraids or by unidentified assailants.

More recently, senior officials such as police officers and politicians believed to be involved in drug trafficking, have also been targeted.

Many areas where drug dealing was rife have now become safe.

TRT World's Asia Reporter Shamim Chowdhury reports from the country's capital, Manila.

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Thousands killed in Philippines since Duterte's war on drugs began - TRT World