After presiding over the controversial and widely criticized “War on Drugs” during a pandemic, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has drawn, not the usual backlash but mockery, for his recent remarks advocating the killing of police officers involved in illegal drug activities.
Duterte, who is no longer in power, recently made hypocritical comments, highlighting the audacity of his statement considering his role in implementing the policies that allowed corruption to flourish within law enforcement.
In his latest controversial statement, Duterte displayed a complete disregard for due process and human rights. He proclaimed, “Shoot them dead. Why allow them due process? What for? Look at what has been happening. Bato has been talking for hours on TV. Still, until now, it’s all investigation. That’s how long it’s going to take because that’s how the law requires it.” The reference to “Bato” is aimed at Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is currently leading an inquiry into a major drug seizure involving high-ranking police officers.
Critics were quick to point out the irony of Duterte’s remarks, highlighting how his flawed “War on Drugs” allowed corruption and abuse of power to thrive within the police force. Social media users expressed their outrage, emphasizing that it was Duterte’s policies that enabled corrupt officers to exploit their positions and undermined his own anti-drug efforts.
Despite ongoing investigations into police misconduct and corruption, including the recent case involving a seizure of 990 kilograms of shabu worth P6.7 billion that implicated anti-drug police officers, Duterte continued to claim that the police had contributed to restoring public order and safety in Davao City. However, his latest statement reveals a disturbing shift in his stance, as he now calls for the execution of those involved in illegal drugs.
Netizens mocked Duterte, accusing him of attempting to remain relevant and deflect responsibility now that the disastrous consequences of his anti-drug policies have been exposed.
Twitter users such as Waweyn (@bubuy_0823) suggested that Duterte’s sudden desire for the elimination of police officers involved in illegal drugs was driven by the fear that they might implicate him in their activities. Another user, Ollette Langcake (@OLangcake), reminded people of Duterte’s past defense of the police and encouragement for them to bend or break the law during his tenure.
Evidence of Duterte’s endorsement of police abuse of authority can be found online, with numerous instances of him granting a “license to kill” to law enforcement. During a campaign rally in March 2016, he declared that as president, he would order the police to find and kill drug dealers and users, resulting in packed funeral parlors.
In the early months of his presidency, Duterte even justified the killing of a thousand people in the line of duty, promising protection to police officers and expressing his willingness to face impeachment alongside them.
Amnesty International UK reported in January 2017 that over 7,000 individuals had lost their lives within six months in the Philippines due to Duterte’s “shoot to kill” orders against organized criminals and those who resisted arrest. The report highlighted the police’s unrestrained actions, fueled by “kill lists” that dictated whom they would pursue or apprehend.
Ongoing investigations in the lower house and Senate have shed light on how rogue and corrupt police officers took advantage of Duterte’s war on drugs to further their own careers within the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Testimonies during congressional hearings have revealed that drug-related crimes worsened under Duterte’s administration, as officers who were entrusted with combating drug lords and major traders ended up becoming involved in illicit drug activities themselves.
Congress is actively conducting hearings to address allegations of abuse of power and crimes committed by police officers
The Daily Netizen 