Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Acknowledges “Death Squad” Role in Anti-Crime Efforts

Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, has acknowledged maintaining a “death squad” during his tenure as mayor of a major Philippine city, which he used to combat crime. During his initial testimony in an official inquiry concerning his “war on drugs,” the 79-year-old stated that the group comprised gangsters. He further elaborated that he would instruct them with the words: “kill this person, because if you do not, I will kill you now.” Duterte secured the presidency in 2016 with a landslide victory, campaigning on a pledge to extend his anti-crime strategies, previously implemented in Davao city, across the entire nation. This nationwide anti-drug campaign resulted in the deaths of thousands of individuals identified as suspects during disputed police operations and is currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court. At the senate hearing held on Monday, Duterte additionally stated that he instructed police officers to “encourage” suspects to resist, thereby providing justification for the resulting fatalities. In his opening statement, Duterte declared: “Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies, no excuses. I did what I had to do, and whether or not you believe it… I did it for my country.” He added, “I hate drugs, make no mistake about it.” Nevertheless, he refuted claims that he authorized his police chiefs to kill suspects, clarifying that his “death squad” consisted of “gangsters… not policemen.” He further stated: “I can make the confession now if you want. I had a death squad of seven, but they were not police, they were gangsters.” Duterte maintained a defiant stance, asserting that numerous criminals had resumed their illicit operations following his departure from the presidency. He remarked: “If given another chance, I’ll wipe all of you.” His presence on Monday marked his initial appearance at an investigation into his anti-drug initiative since his presidential term concluded in 2022. It also represented the first occasion he directly confronted some of his detractors, among them families of those affected by the drug war and former senator Leila de Lima, a critic of Duterte who was incarcerated for seven years on a drug-dealing accusation that was ultimately dismissed. The Philippine government estimates that over 6,252 individuals were killed by police and “unknown assailants” during Duterte’s “war on drugs.” Human rights organizations, however, suggest the actual death toll might extend into the tens of thousands. A previous report from the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights indicated that Duterte’s anti-drug campaign was characterized by strong rhetoric that could be interpreted as granting police officers “permission to kill.” Police asserted that many of those they killed, whom they identified as drug lords or peddlers, frequently died in “self defence” during armed confrontations. Conversely, numerous families contend that their sons, brothers, or husbands were merely caught in unfortunate circumstances. The anti-drug campaign generated considerable controversy and garnered significant international condemnation, yet it also attracted support within a nation where millions consume drugs, primarily methamphetamine, locally referred to as “shabu.”