See Graphic Photos From The War Declared Against Drug Dealers In Philippines

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's war on illegal drugs has already killed almost 300 people since the start of July and the death toll is set to rise.

 In his first state of the nation address to parliament Mr Duterte, dubbed 'The Punisher', ignored the outrage over the continuing death count, declaring that drugs were drowning his country' and had to be stopped at all costs....

'Double your efforts. Triple them if need be,' Mr Duterte told police.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's war on illegal drugs has already killed almost 300 people since the start of July and the death toll is set to rise.

'We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier and the last pusher have surrendered or been put behind bars ... or below ground if you wish,' he said.

Human rights groups obtained police figures that showed Mr Duterte's violent crackdown has claimed the lives of 293 suspected users and pushers in police operations between July 1 and July 24.

Mr Duterte made it clear he would pardon police if they were charged with human rights violations for carrying out his merciless orders.