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Drugs

Duterte Fires Minister Who Ran His Bloody War on Drugs

The Philippine president used the firing to reassert a promise to sack anyone at the "first whiff" of corruption.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, known for his bloody war on drugs, used the Monday firing of the ally who oversaw that war to reassert a promise to sack anyone at the "first whiff" of corruption.

Government spokesperson Ernesto Abella confirmed Tuesday that Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael "Mike" Sueno had been sacked Monday night after a Cabinet meeting due to a "loss of trust and confidence."

"I do not have to belabor the point," Duterte said afterward. "Just remember my promises to the people: no corruption, drugs, criminality."

In his former role, Sueno oversaw the war on drugs and vigorously defended Duterte against criticism. Sueno was a longtime supporter of Duterte who helped convince him to run for the presidency. According to Abella, however, Duterte's close relationship with Sueno did not stop the president "from pursuing his drive for a trustworthy government by addressing issues like corruption."

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