NowThis's video: The Rise of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte NowThis World

Populist, Protector, Punisher, and Problematic. » Subscribe to NowThis World: http://go.nowth.is/World_Subscribe » Watch the Previous Episode: https://go.nowth.is/2qlEJV3 Those are are just a few words that have been used to describe the Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte. Rodrigo Duterte and his straight-talking, no-nonsense style of leadership has made him a hero to many in the Philippines. But his brutal, authoritarian approach to politics and law enforcement have raised serious human rights concerns - as well as threaten the delicate balance of alliances in the region. In the 1970s and 80s, Davao City was known as the "murder capital" of the Philippines. It was incredibly dangerous city, where communist insurgents and government forces would openly kill each other in broad daylight. Rodrigo Duterte wanted to stop this -- by any means necessary. So Rodrigo Duterte became a prosecutor for the city from 1977 - 1986, and worked to rid the city of criminal activity. He was so determined to lock up the very people he blamed for Davao's crime rate, that he was willing to do whatever it took -- even if it meant breaking the law himself. This ruthless style of accomplishing his goals made Duterte a popular figure among Davao's population and would become a common trend throughout his life. But Duterte had his eyes set on more than being a prosecutor. He would eventually become the Davao City mayor. He was elected on a platform focused on restoring peace and stability to Davao City. But shortly after he became mayor, bodies began to pile up in the streets. An armed vigilante group known as the Davao Death Squad began killing small-time drug dealers and petty criminals. Allegedly, the group also targeted Duterte's political opponents. But he continued to be re-elected. He was mayor of Davao City for seven terms, becoming one of the country's longest-serving mayors. And his brutal campaign to stomp out crime only escalated as his time in office grew. And he wasn't done yet. Join us as we continue to explore how Rodrigo Roa Duterte continued to rise to power. Connect with NowThis » Subscribe to NowThis News: http://go.nowth.is/News_Subscribe » Like us on Facebook: http://go.nowth.is/News_Facebook » Tweet us on Twitter: http://go.nowth.is/News_Twitter » Follow us on Instagram: http://go.nowth.is/News_Instagram » Find us on Snapchat Discover: http://go.nowth.is/News_Snapchat Connect with Judah: » Follow @judah_robinson on Twitter: http://go.nowth.is/TweetJudah » Facebook: http://go.nowth.is/LikeJudah Connect with Alex: » Follow @AlexLJanin on Twitter: http://go.nowth.is/TweetAlex » Facebook: http://go.nowth.is/LikeAlex Connect with Versha: » Follow @versharma on Twitter: http://go.nowth.is/TweetVersha » Facebook: http://go.nowth.is/LikeVersha NowThis World is dedicated to bringing you topical explainers about the world around you. Each week we’ll be exploring current stories in international news, by examining the facts, providing historical context, and outlining the key players involved. We’ll also highlight powerful countries, ideologies, influential leaders, and ongoing global conflicts that are shaping the current landscape of the international community across the globe today. http://www.youtube.com/nowthisworld