In a groundbreaking Senate inquiry, Rodrigo Duterte acknowledged using a "death squad" to target criminals, revealing controversial tactics that have spurred international investigations into his notorious anti-drug campaign.
Duterte Confirms Existence of 'Death Squad' in Drug War Inquiry
Duterte Confirms Existence of 'Death Squad' in Drug War Inquiry
Former Philippine president admits to employing vigilantes as crime-fighting units during his tenure.
In his first appearance before an official investigation into his "war on drugs," Duterte admitted to overseeing a "death squad" made up of gangsters while serving as mayor of Davao City. He asserted that he would directly order members of this squad to carry out extrajudicial killings of alleged criminals, using threats to enforce compliance. Despite the grim admissions, the former president maintained a defiant stance throughout the Senate hearing, insisting his actions were necessary for the country’s safety.
"I hate drugs, make no mistake about it," he stated, emphasizing his belief that the aggressive measures were essential to combatting the drug menace. This acknowledgment follows a nationwide campaign that has resulted in thousands of deaths and has drawn the scrutiny of the International Criminal Court.
Duterte claimed to have instructed police to incite suspects into armed conflict under the pretext of self-defense, which he argued justified their killings. Despite dramatic claims about the impact of his drug war, he refuted allegations that he sanctioned police killings, instead characterizing his "death squad" as unassociated with law enforcement.
This inquiry marks a significant moment as Duterte faces families of victims and opponents such as former senator Leila de Lima, who spent years imprisoned on charges many believe were politically motivated. The Philippine government has reported actual death tolls of over 6,252 due to police actions linked to the drug war, while human rights advocates suggest the toll may be substantially higher.
While Duterte's aggressive stance on crime garnered domestic support amid alarming drug use rates, it simultaneously drew damning international condemnation for perceived human rights violations, inviting discussions about the legacy of his administration.
"I hate drugs, make no mistake about it," he stated, emphasizing his belief that the aggressive measures were essential to combatting the drug menace. This acknowledgment follows a nationwide campaign that has resulted in thousands of deaths and has drawn the scrutiny of the International Criminal Court.
Duterte claimed to have instructed police to incite suspects into armed conflict under the pretext of self-defense, which he argued justified their killings. Despite dramatic claims about the impact of his drug war, he refuted allegations that he sanctioned police killings, instead characterizing his "death squad" as unassociated with law enforcement.
This inquiry marks a significant moment as Duterte faces families of victims and opponents such as former senator Leila de Lima, who spent years imprisoned on charges many believe were politically motivated. The Philippine government has reported actual death tolls of over 6,252 due to police actions linked to the drug war, while human rights advocates suggest the toll may be substantially higher.
While Duterte's aggressive stance on crime garnered domestic support amid alarming drug use rates, it simultaneously drew damning international condemnation for perceived human rights violations, inviting discussions about the legacy of his administration.
