Initial ransom demands of eight million pesos ($170,800) were paid in two instalments however, another demand of an additional 4.5 million pesos ($90,000) was not paid after the kidnappers failed to provide proof of life. In January 2017, a South Korean businessman was abducted and held for ransom by three corrupt police officers in Angeles City, Central Luzon. Criminal and terrorist groups often carry out kidnappings and extortion attempts against businesses operating in the south, most notably local bus operators and foreign mining companies. Taxi drivers have also been complicit in assaults and robberies against passengers. In the Metro Manila area, petty crimes such as bag snatching and pick-pocketing are common, while in the south of the country violent crime is more of a concern. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already stated that the number of reported crimes has fallen significantly since the war on drugs began. One of the driving forces behind Duterte’s domestic popularity is his commitment to reducing the high levels of crime in the country. In July 2016, the Philippines won a tribunal at the Hague however, China has refused to accept the court's authority. The Philippines is one of several south-east Asian states currently in dispute with China over territorial rights in the South China Sea. The president’s approach proved unpopular with investors and both the peso and stock markets fell to a seven-year low by the end of September 2016. He has also insulted a variety of world leaders and international bodies, including the European Union and the United Nations, and risks isolating the Philippines from several of its long-standing allies. The crackdown has sparked international criticism of Duterte, particularly in relation to extrajudicial killings, while former hitmen claim the president ordered murders while he was mayor of Davao city. ![]() An estimated 3,000 people were killed in his first six months of his administration - a third by the security forces and two-thirds by suspected vigilantes. One of his key election pledges was to destroy drug trafficking networks in the country, and shortly after taking office he launched a ‘war on drugs’ which has proven to be highly controversial. In May 2016, hard-line candidate Rodrigo Duterte was elected as the 16th President of the Philippines.
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