They said his nickname was "Big Reach", because he once befriended a gangster on the streets of New York who used that name.

BBC: Marine killed in attack is named

In this ledger, Mr Singson said, the president is referred to as Asiong Salonga the name of a gangster Mr Estrada once portrayed in his previous career as a film actor.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines

The once self-described half-businessman, half-gangster insists he is now a reformed man, especially given his position as mayor of Saen Suk municipality in Chonburi.

CNN: No More Mr. Tough Guy