Rodrigo Duterte, former President of the Philippines, recently made headlines with his appearance at a Senate inquiry. The focus of the investigation is the controversial war on drugs initiated during his tenure. Duterte, 79, has been defending the campaign, which has been criticized for its high death toll and alleged human rights violations. The investigation revolves around claims that police operations during the drug war led to the wrongful deaths of many individuals.
Among the victims of this campaign were the two sons of Llore Pasco, a resident of San Mateo, Rizal. Pasco has been outspoken about her experience, describing the loss of her sons as deeply distressing and questioning the legitimacy of the operations that led to their deaths. The grief and anger she expresses reflect the sentiments of many families affected by the drug war.
During his Senate appearance, Duterte claimed responsibility for the anti-drug operations and defended them as necessary measures to protect the country. His statements have, however, stirred emotions among those who lost loved ones, with Pasco feeling particularly incensed by his apparent pride in the campaign’s outcomes.
Duterte has consistently maintained that his war on drugs was aimed at eradicating the illegal drug trade in the Philippines. His administration claimed that drug-related crimes had been significantly reduced as a result. Critics argue that the campaign primarily targeted the poor and involved extrajudicial killings.
Llore Pasco, along with other families affected by Duterte’s drug war, has been vocal in calling for accountability. She has joined other families in pushing for investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into the alleged human rights abuses. The ICC has been looking into the deaths resulting from Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. Duterte’s administration, however, insists on the legality and necessity of the operations.
Families of the victims have faced a long struggle for justice. Many, like Pasco, have shared their stories in international forums, hoping to bring attention to their plight and pressure authorities to take action. The pain and frustration of these families are heightened by what they perceive as a lack of accountability from the Philippine government.
Duterte’s appearance at the Senate highlights the ongoing debate over his legacy and the impact of the war on drugs. While some have praised his tough stance on crime, others argue that the campaign has left a lasting scar on Philippine society. The Senate inquiry aims to bring clarity to the extent of the operations and the true cost of the drug war.