The arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte highlights stark discrepancies between his due process and the injustices experienced by victims of his drug war. With an estimated 6,252 to 30,000 fatalities attributed to his policies, families mourn their losses amidst sorrow and conflict. As Duterte enjoys legal protections, victims’ families demand acknowledgment, revealing the continued impact of a legacy filled with violence and fear.
The recent arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has illuminated a stark contrast between the due process he now experiences and the profound injustices suffered by thousands of his victims during his administration’s brutal drug war. Official accounts estimate around 6,252 deaths resulted from police operations related to the drug crackdown, with some human rights groups asserting that the numbers may be as high as 30,000. Duterte’s aggressive rhetoric and encouragement of extrajudicial killings ensured that those deemed drug users faced lethal consequences without trial or defense.
Lourdes, the widow of a victim named Constantino Juan, expressed a complex mix of emotions regarding Duterte’s arrest, stating, “I’m happy, but not really happy.” This sentiment resonates deeply among the families affected by the drug war, who suffered immense loss, watching loved ones like Juan die brutally as they inevitably grapple with grief and anger. Many victims, including Juan, were not drug dealers but ordinary individuals battling addiction, challenging the narrative provided by Duterte’s administration.
As I have reported extensively on this issue since 2016, I have witnessed the aftermath of these tragic deaths, with victims often discovered in unthinkable conditions. The apprehension of Duterte has inspired a brief surge of hope among victims’ families, but it is coupled with fear and sorrow, as past wounds have not healed. They chant tales of their loved ones, remembering them as kind, funny, and loving individuals, in stark contrast to the violent image the government painted.
Duterte’s recent court proceedings in The Hague highlight the privileges of due process he so often denied his constituents. His arrest was starkly different from the experiences of countless victims who were deprived of legal rights and killed without remorse. While he now enjoys legal protections, numerous victims have been stripped of their lives without the chance for any justice.
Support for Duterte remains robust, despite the criticisms and consequences of his actions. His family continues to exert influence, with his daughter now serving as vice president. Allegations surrounding his arrest involve claims of being wronged by external forces, revealing his retained political power and ongoing public adoration. Yet, for families like that of Juan, the fight for recognition and justice continues, underscoring the painful legacy of a leader who once promised a war on drugs that led to devastating human cost.
The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte underscores the disparity between the due process he now avails and the tragic fate of thousands who fell victim to his administration’s drug policies. Families continue to endure profound grief while craving acknowledgment of their lost loved ones, treated as collateral damage in a ruthless political agenda. As Duterte faces justice for his actions, the legacy of fear and violence remains, leaving a haunting reminder of the consequences of unchecked power.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
