DHAKA: Hardline anti-crime candidate Rodrigo Duterte looks set to become president of the Philippines after polls gave him an incontrovertible lead.

Mr Duterte, who stirred controversy during campaigning with his incendiary comments, said he accepted the apparent mandate with ‘extreme humility’ BBC reports Tuesday (May 10).

An accredited poll monitor said he led with most ballots counted, but this does not represent an official result.

The 71-year-old credited his success to his tough stance on law and order.

His record as the crime-crushing mayor of the southern town of Davao, once notorious for its lawlessness, earned him the moniker The Punisher and resonated with voters.

BDST: 1254 HRS, May 10, 2016
SAS/AKA