Philippines drug war victims seek justice through truth commission
Summary
The Philippines has started public hearings through a new Drug War Truth Commission to investigate killings linked to the anti-drug campaign launched by former President Rodrigo Duterte. Families of victims share their stories, while the commission gathers evidence but does not have power to prosecute.Key Facts
- Luzviminda Siapo’s teenage son Raymart was killed in 2017 during Duterte’s war on drugs.
- Raymart was found dead with a gun and drugs planted near his body; witnesses said masked men forced him to sit and then shot him.
- The Drug War Truth Commission began in May to investigate extra-judicial killings linked to the campaign.
- The government reports about 6,000 deaths, but rights groups estimate between 20,000 and 30,000.
- Duterte was arrested and sent to the International Criminal Court in 2025, facing trial for crimes against humanity related to the drug war.
- The commission holds public, livestreamed hearings with victims’ families and witnesses giving testimony.
- The commission cannot prosecute but shares information with Philippine courts and the International Criminal Court.
- One known case where police were held accountable involved the 2017 killing of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos.
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