Rodrigo Duterte's account of drug killings has reopened old wounds and caused widespread distress.
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| PHOTO: 📷This picture was taken during the Senate investigation of former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration of the war on drugs on October 28, 2024, in the Philippines. AP NEWS |
MANILA, Philippines - The brazen cockiness, expletives, and chilling threats unleashed by former President Rodrigo Duterte during his appearance at a Senate inquiry on Monday have once again ignited deep fears and painful memories for the families of the thousands who fell victim to his brutal "war on drugs." In what was his first public appearance since stepping down from the presidency in 2022, Duterte's combative demeanor and utter lack of remorse reignited the trauma caused by his administration’s violent anti-drug campaign, which left thousands dead, many under questionable and often extrajudicial circumstances.
Speaking under oath during the televised Senate hearing, Duterte—who remains a highly polarizing figure in the Philippines—showed little to no reflection or regret for the deaths that occurred under his watch. Instead, he stood by his controversial policies and actions, doubling down on the rhetoric that made him both a hero and a villain in the eyes of many Filipinos.
"I would do it again. If I’m given another chance, I’ll wipe all of you out," Duterte, 79, said, referring to drug dealers and criminals. The statement was made as he discussed his future political aspirations—he is currently seeking to return to his previous post as mayor of Davao City, a position he held for over two decades before becoming president. Duterte’s rhetoric sent a clear signal that, if re-elected, his tough stance on crime, particularly the war on drugs, would not waver. His brash comments were not only a reminder of his past actions, but a terrifying preview of what might lie ahead for the nation if he regains political power.
During the hearing, Duterte reiterated his long-standing claim that he never authorized or endorsed extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during his presidency. He adamantly denied that there were “state-sponsored killings,” despite ample evidence and testimonies pointing to the systematic execution of drug suspects by law enforcement and vigilante groups under his rule. While he acknowledged that, as mayor of Davao, he oversaw the creation of a "death squad" to target criminals, he dismissed the idea that such actions were part of a larger, state-backed campaign.
"I never ordered the police to kill anyone," Duterte said, in an attempt to deflect accusations that his administration directly facilitated the deaths of thousands. However, his acknowledgment that he did indeed employ a "death squad" as mayor of Davao—a paramilitary group tasked with eliminating drug dealers, criminals, and other perceived enemies—further fueled suspicions that his tough rhetoric as president had translated into widespread extrajudicial violence.
The revelation about the death squad in Davao has been a longstanding point of controversy, and Duterte’s refusal to take responsibility for the extrajudicial killings during his presidency only deepened the divide between his supporters and critics. Duterte’s statements at the hearing have also brought back painful memories for the families of those killed during the war on drugs, many of whom are still seeking justice for their loved ones.
A War That Left Deep Scars
Duterte's war on drugs, which began shortly after he assumed office in 2016, became one of the most defining—and divisive—features of his presidency. Thousands of Filipinos were killed during the campaign, with human rights organizations estimating that at least 12,000 people died during the crackdown, including children and innocent bystanders. While Duterte maintained that the campaign was necessary to rid the country of drugs and crime, critics have long accused him of allowing the abuse of power and violations of human rights.
The war on drugs was marked by widespread impunity, with law enforcement and vigilante groups carrying out extrajudicial executions of suspected drug offenders. The Philippine National Police (PNP) itself was accused of executing drug suspects in cold blood, with the death toll continuing to rise year after year. The government, meanwhile, refused to conduct independent investigations into these deaths, and Duterte’s rhetoric—often laced with violent threats and aggressive language—only emboldened his supporters, while creating an atmosphere of fear and distrust.
For many, the trauma of the drug war remains fresh. In a country where extrajudicial killings were rampant under Duterte’s rule, families of victims still seek justice. Some have turned to international human rights bodies for redress, while others remain hopeful that a change in leadership will help bring accountability to the Philippine justice system. However, Duterte's defiant behavior and refusal to take responsibility for the death toll leave little hope for these families.
The Return of Duterte's Political Ambitions
Duterte's appearance before the Senate was not only a defense of his past actions, but also a statement of his continued political relevance. Despite stepping down as president in 2022, he has remained a major player in Philippine politics, using his political influence to support his allies and maintain control over key institutions.
Next year, Duterte is seeking to return to the mayoralty of Davao City, a position he held for over two decades. His decision to run for mayor is seen by many as a move to retain his hold on power and continue shaping national politics behind the scenes. His presence in Davao City remains influential, as the city is considered the political base that helped launch his rise to the presidency.
Duterte’s decision to return to the political stage has sparked a wave of concerns. For some, his bid for mayor is seen as an opportunity to consolidate his power and make a comeback on the national stage. For others, it is a reminder of the authoritarian style of governance that marked his presidency. While many Davaoenos still support him, others fear that his return could signal a further erosion of democratic norms in the country.
A Legacy of Division and Fear
Despite his unflinching stance on the drug war and his continued political ambitions, Duterte remains a deeply divisive figure in the Philippines. While he retains a loyal base of supporters who believe that his tough approach to crime brought stability and order, his critics point to the human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, and erosion of democratic institutions that occurred during his tenure.
For the families of the victims of the drug war, Duterte's return to the national spotlight is a painful reminder of a time when justice was often out of reach. Many wonder how long the nation will have to wait for accountability, and whether the political climate will ever shift in a way that ensures that those responsible for the deaths of thousands will be held to account.
The question remains: If Duterte does return to power, will it mark the beginning of a new chapter of fear, violence, and authoritarian rule, or can the Philippines move past the nightmare of his "war on drugs" and toward a future rooted in justice and human rights?
As the Senate inquiry continues, the ghosts of Duterte’s brutal past loom large over the future of the nation. For now, it remains to be seen whether the Philippines can reconcile with the bloody legacy of the war on drugs—and whether Duterte, in his ongoing defiance, will ever be held accountable for the lives lost under his rule.
The profanity-laced tirade unleashed by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte during a recent Senate inquiry sent shockwaves through the nation, particularly for the family members of victims who lost their lives in his controversial “war on drugs.” Randy delos Santos, who was invited to testify about the tragic killing of his nephew, Kian delos Santos, by police officers during Duterte's presidency, expressed deep unease and fear after hearing the former president's outbursts. For delos Santos, it felt as if the nightmare of violence and impunity that plagued the country during Duterte’s administration had returned.
“I had this frightening feeling that thousands of innocent people may be gunned down again,” delos Santos told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "I was wondering why he was allowed to speak with such disrespect, given a stage to vent his past excuses." The words from Duterte, who remains unapologetic for the thousands of deaths under his anti-drug campaign, have ignited new waves of fear and resentment among families of victims and human rights groups alike.
The tension surrounding Duterte’s appearance before the Senate hearing has only deepened the divide in the Philippines, where the legacy of his war on drugs continues to haunt the nation. In his testimony, Duterte did not show any remorse for the killings of thousands of suspected drug offenders, even as he continues to stand by his policies. His threats to eliminate criminal elements from society have made many citizens wonder if the bloodshed of his administration might once again be unleashed.
Duterte’s Bloody Legacy: The War on Drugs
Duterte’s war on drugs, launched shortly after he took office in 2016, quickly became one of the most violent and controversial periods in recent Philippine history. Human rights groups estimate that more than 20,000 people may have died during the brutal crackdown, including thousands of suspected drug dealers, users, and innocent bystanders. Many of these killings were carried out without due process, sparking allegations of extrajudicial executions, summary killings, and widespread police violence.
The crackdown attracted widespread international condemnation and led to an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which opened a probe into Duterte's war on drugs as a possible crime against humanity. Despite the mounting evidence of widespread human rights abuses, Duterte remained defiant, claiming that the killings were justified in his battle against drugs and crime. His rhetoric, often laced with threats and profanities, only served to inflame tensions and embolden law enforcement officials and vigilante groups to continue the killings with impunity.
The personal story of Kian delos Santos, a 17-year-old high school student who was killed in a police operation in 2017, has become one of the most symbolic cases in the battle for justice. The killing sparked widespread protests and outcry, drawing attention to the human cost of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. Kian’s death became a rallying cry for families of victims seeking justice and accountability. But for many, Duterte's refusal to acknowledge the wrongs of his administration, combined with his inflammatory remarks at the Senate hearing, has cast a dark shadow over any hopes for reconciliation or healing.
A Divided Nation: Duterte’s Political Fallout
While Duterte’s tenure as president may have ended in 2022, his political influence remains strong, particularly within his family. Duterte’s return to the public stage and his continued outbursts have fueled tensions within the political elite, especially with his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, and the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Since assuming the presidency, Marcos has attempted to chart a different course in terms of foreign policy and domestic governance, including strengthening ties with the United States and other Western allies. This stands in stark contrast to Duterte’s approach during his six years in office, where he pursued closer relations with China and Russia. Duterte’s cozy ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin became a hallmark of his foreign policy, which often clashed with the West, particularly in the areas of defense and human rights.
The political divide between Duterte and his children, especially Vice President Sara Duterte, has become increasingly apparent. While Sara Duterte has largely maintained a more traditional stance, aligning herself with her father's policies, she has found herself at odds with some of his more controversial statements and actions. The relationship between the Duterte family members is now a delicate fault line, with political differences further deepened by their views on law enforcement, human rights, and international relations.
In recent years, as drug-related crimes have surged once again in certain areas of the Philippines, Duterte has publicly lamented the rise of illegal activities. In a recent statement, he criticized the resurgence of drug-related crimes, referencing a recent raid on a drug den within the vicinity of the Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the president.
“It’s unfortunate that drug-related crimes are on the rise again,” Duterte said. "Every day you can read about children being raped, people getting killed and robbed, and just recently, a drug den was raided within the Malacañang complex. The purveyors of this menace are back in business."
Despite his harsh words about the current state of crime, Duterte’s remarks have been met with skepticism by those who believe his previous policies laid the groundwork for much of the violence and instability the country is now facing. Human rights groups, in particular, have pointed out that Duterte's heavy-handed tactics during his presidency failed to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and poor access to healthcare. Critics argue that his war on drugs was less about improving public safety and more about consolidating power and instilling fear.
The Specter of Impunity and the Call for Justice
For many Filipinos, particularly the families of those who were killed in Duterte’s war on drugs, the return of the former president to the public eye only underscores the lack of accountability for the deaths that occurred under his watch. Duterte’s refusal to acknowledge the human cost of his policies, coupled with his ongoing inflammatory rhetoric, has left many questioning whether justice will ever be served for the victims.
Randy delos Santos, who continues to seek justice for his nephew Kian, represents just one of countless families still waiting for accountability. Despite the outpouring of public grief and outrage over the killings, little has been done to hold those responsible for the deaths to account. Duterte’s government shielded police officers and law enforcement from prosecution, and many of the perpetrators remain free, emboldened by the atmosphere of impunity that Duterte fostered.
In the years since Duterte left office, his political influence has not waned. His rhetoric still resonates with many Filipinos who see his tough stance on crime as necessary for restoring order and security. However, his critics continue to call for an end to impunity and for meaningful reform in the Philippine justice system. The need for accountability has never been more urgent, especially as the nation grapples with the legacy of the drug war and its long-lasting effects on the country’s democratic institutions.
As Duterte continues to stir controversy and division, the Philippines finds itself at a crossroads. The tension between moving forward and confronting the painful past remains unresolved. For those who suffered under Duterte’s rule, the past is not something they can simply forget, and the desire for justice remains as strong as ever. Yet, the political power that Duterte continues to wield, coupled with his unrepentant attitude, has created a climate where accountability seems like a distant hope.
For many, Duterte’s return to the national stage represents not just a clash of political ideologies, but a test of the Philippines’ commitment to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. As the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of Duterte’s brutal war on drugs, the question remains: Will the Philippines ever confront the full scale of the violence and injustice that took place under his rule, or will his legacy of impunity and authoritarianism continue to shape the nation’s future?
The debate over Duterte’s legacy, and the continuing political fallout from his time in office, is far from over. For now, the shadow of his presidency looms large, and the call for justice grows louder with each passing day.
The Philippine Senate on Monday witnessed a day of heated exchanges and political drama as former President Rodrigo Duterte faced a grueling hearing on his administration's controversial "war on drugs." Duterte, once known for his brash and often offensive rhetoric, appeared frail and at times contradicted himself, revealing the political restraints he now faces after relinquishing power.
The hearing, which lasted throughout the day, served as a platform for Duterte to defend his legacy while also highlighting the lingering tensions and accusations surrounding his administration's anti-drug campaign. The former president, who has previously accused his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., of being a drug addict and weak leader, found himself facing accusations of his own. Marcos Jr. had previously retorted that Duterte was a user of fentanyl, a powerful opioid.
Duterte, who once held a firm grip on power, now appeared more vulnerable, at one point mistakenly stating his age as 73. His demeanor throughout the hearing was marked by a mix of defiance and defensiveness, as he faced questions from senators about the human rights violations and alleged extrajudicial killings that occurred during his administration.
Duterte, known for his unorthodox leadership style, has carved a controversial political name for himself through his deadly campaign against criminality, his expletive-laced outbursts, and his disdain for human rights and the West. He famously called the Pope a "son of a bitch" for causing a traffic jam during a visit to Manila and told then-President Barack Obama to "go to hell" for criticizing his brutal anti-drug crackdown. Duterte's profanity became a trademark of his political persona, leading some to compare him to former US President Donald Trump.
The tension in the Senate chamber reached a boiling point during a heated exchange between Duterte and Senator Risa Hontiveros, a staunch human rights activist. Hontiveros, citing data that indicated 122 children, including a baby, were killed during Duterte's anti-drug campaign, requested that the chairman of the hearing restrain the increasingly volatile former president. Duterte, who rambled on as Hontiveros spoke, later stopped and apologized.
"You're trying to pin me down on semantics," Duterte blurted out at Hontiveros, who retorted, "You're pinned by your own words."
Duterte, in a moment of defiance, told the senators, "You were never a mayor, prosecutor… I was a prosecutor, mayor, president and I know my job. You should talk like, 'Son of a bitch, you stop, or I will kill you.'"
The Senate hearing served as a stark reminder of the legacy of Duterte's administration and the ongoing debate surrounding his policies. While Duterte's supporters argue that his anti-drug campaign was necessary to curb crime and restore order, his critics continue to highlight the human rights violations and extrajudicial killings that occurred under his watch. The hearing also highlighted the political restraints that Duterte now faces, a stark contrast to his previous dominance. His appearance, marked by his frail demeanor and occasional contradictions, suggests that the former president is no longer the powerful figure he once was.
This news article is based on the information provided and aims to be as accurate and objective as possible. It is important to note that this is a complex issue with multiple perspectives, and this article does not represent all of them.