At the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Vientiane two years ago, then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon brought up the subject of extra-judicial killings in the region. It was the equivalent of waving a red flag in the face of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
Putting aside his notes and loosening his tongue, the Philippine leader charged like a bull, savaging Mr Ban and US President Barack Obama with his words. Shocked and dismayed, Philippine officials in the room studied their shoes with extra care.
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