Philippines an ally, but drug killings a concern: US
US Assistant Secretary of State, Daniel Russel, on Monday said that Philippines is a "trusted" ally while expressing concern about President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs which has claimed over 3,800 lives. Russel added that the US supports Philippines' ties with China. This comes after Duterte announced "separation" from the US "both in military and economics” during his China visit.