BLOOD AND IMPUNITY: EXTRAJUDICIAL
KILLINGS UNDER DUTERTE'S WAR ON DRUGS
Mark Joseph G. Valdez, Occidental Mindoro State College
INTRODUCTION
The 2016 start of President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs has been widely criticized for
its connection to violations of human rights, including extrajudicial killings (EJKs) (Amnesty,
2020). Although the campaign's claimed goal is to reduce illegal drug activities, there are grave
worries that it would weaken due process and the rule of law (Human Rights Watch, 2018). The
human rights concerns raised by this campaign are explored in detail in this case study, which
also looks at the responsibility of law enforcement and the function of attorneys in stopping these
violations.
ANALYSIS
The Philippines launched its anti-drug campaign to resolve the illicit drug problem in the
nation quickly (Petty, 2018). It has been criticized, meanwhile, for endorsing brutal law
enforcement actions and ignoring fundamental human rights (Amnesty, 2020). According to
Amnesty (2020), official government data reported far fewer casualties than the estimations
provided by human rights groups in 2020, which put the number of deaths at above 27,000.
The campaign has come to be associated with extrajudicial executions, which occur when
someone is killed without the benefit of legal proceedings. Amnesty (2020) states that
accusations of drug use are often made against people from marginalized backgrounds without
supporting documentation or a court hearing.
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS DURING THE WAR ON DRUGS
The anti-drug campaign's connection to violations of human rights has garnered attention
from both domestic and global audiences. There has been grave abuse, such as killings enforced
by the police without permission and an atmosphere of impunity, with no due process (Human
Rights Watch, 2018; United Nations, 2020).
Another significant case is the 2017 police operation that led to the killing of student
Kian delos Santos, who was 17 years old. The CCTV evidence proved that the police's
accusation against Kian delos Santos as a pusher was false; Kian was shot while begging for his
life and dragged into an alley. The public outcry over this case highlighted coercive methods
used by law enforcement (Ramos, 2021).
PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Allegations of power abuse and lack of accountability have been made against the
Philippine National Police (PNP), which is primarily in charge of carrying out the war on drugs
(Conde, 2018). Internal control systems, like the PNP Internal Affairs Service, have generally
shown themselves to be ineffectual (Buan, 2021). The majority of instances involving police
violence go unreported; therefore, cases like Kian delos Santos' are the exception (Buan, 2021).
Furthermore, despite abundant proof of wrongdoing, a culture of impunity is still in
place. Instead of being held accountable, police officers are frequently promoted or moved
(Amnesty, 2020). This lack of accountability damages public trust and gives law enforcement
more license to commit crimes (Amnesty, 2020).
ROLE OF LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
Although the court and legal community play a critical role in maintaining the rule of
law, their capacity to hold offenders accountable has been severely curtailed (OHCHR, 2020). A
significant backlog of cases, political meddling, and fear of retaliation are among the difficulties
facing the judiciary (Buan, 2021).
The efforts of human rights campaigners and attorneys to achieve justice for victims of
extrajudicial executions have been weakened by threats and harassment they have experienced
(Amnesty, 2021). It is frequently impossible to pursue legal remedies due to pervasive
intimidation and insufficient witness protection (Amnesty, 2021).
CHALLENGES IN ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY
There are many reasons why ensuring accountability for human rights violations in the
country is impossible, including political influence on law enforcement, weak legal frameworks,
and a weak judiciary (Buan, 2021).
The International Criminal Court began pre-trial investigations into the Philippines'
situation, finally bringing new hope to the families of victims (ICC, 2021). However, the Filipino
government's withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019 did not affect international actions for
accountability because of its non-cooperation with the ICC (Regencia, 2018).
PUBLIC OPINION AND SOCIETAL IMPACT
The public's perception of the drug war is varied. While some individuals support the
campaign because they believe it will reduce crime, there is rising concern about the disdain for
human rights and eroding the rule of law (Petty, 2018).
Extrajudicial killings have a profound impact on the communities. Relatives of the
victims remain traumatized, socially humiliated, and financially constrained (PhilRights, 2019).
Public organizations and non-governmental organizations like Rise Up for Life and Rights have
also emerged, supporting victims and seeking justice. However, they are sometimes constrained
by limited resources and opposition from government bodies.
CONCLUSION AND STAND
Extrajudicial killings have been a significant cause of human rights violations in the
Philippines as a result of the drug war. There are systemic problems with the court system and
government when law enforcement is not held accountable and when legal professionals
encounter difficulties. The conviction of the cops involved in the Kian delos Santos case is one
example of a rare incidence of accountability, but these are still the exception (Ramos, 2021).
The war on drugs has resulted in extrajudicial deaths and violations of human rights,
which I, as the author, strongly reject. Such actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the rule
of law, undermine justice, and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Violence and
the absence of due process should not be the solution to the drug problem in the Philippines. Law
enforcement and legal professionals must be held accountable to restore public trust and protect
citizens' rights.
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