Philippines' Duterte

Philippines' Duterte admits personally killing suspects

It is the first such admission he has made since becoming president in June, but echoes comments he made in 2015.

He ran the southern city for two decades, earning a reputation for cutting crime, and criticism for allegedly supporting death squads.

Mr Duterte was speaking to business leaders at the presidential palace on Monday, before an overseas trip.

Philippines' Duterte on foreign troops: 'I want them out'

"I want them out," he said. "And if I have to revise or abrogate agreements, executive agreements, I will."

Speaking to business leaders in Tokyo during an official visit to Japan, Duterte warned that he would not be a "doormat" for the international community. But he also sought to reassure neighbors and allies that his state visit to Beijing a week ago was focused on trade, not security.