A large majority of Filipinos remain satisfied with the government's controversial anti-drug campaign, a survey has shown, despite the killings of thousands of suspected drug suspects drawing criticism from human rights groups and western nations.

A survey, released Sunday by the private polling firm Social Weather Station, showed 82 percent of Filipinos are satisfied - 54 percent very satisfied, 28 percent somewhat satisfied - with the drug campaign waged by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's government.

Just 12 per cent of those polled were dissatisfied, according to the survey, which was carried out from June 22-26, while 6 per cent were undecided.

That translates into a net positive rating (the percentage satisfied minus the percentage dissatisfied) of +70, the same number as in the last survey in March 2019. The campaign recorded its highest net approval rating in December 2016 at +77.

Police report that at least 6,600 drug suspects have been killed in the government's war on drugs since 2016 and insist those who were killed resisted arrest. Human rights activists claim more than 20,000 people have died in state and vigilante operations.

The polling agency, which carried out face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults, said those who approved of the campaign focused on a diminished drug trade, fewer drug suspects, higher arrest numbers and less crime as a result. Those unsatisfied cited high numbers of killings, wrongful arrests and a government abuse of power.

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