Philippines 'sitting on a timebomb' as inquiry urged into political killings

Exiled land rights defender calls for international help to investigate rights abuses under President Rodrigo Duterte

A human rights activist branded a terrorist by the Philippine government has urged the international community to support an independent investigation into political killings in the country.

Amid growing unrest in the Philippines, Joan Carling said President Rodrigo Duterte has shown a complete disregard for the rule of law that, coupled with plans to plunder the land and resources of the indigenous people she campaigns to protect, has created a ticking time bomb.