Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers suggested that extrajudicial killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs could be viewed as a “policy,” citing Duterte’s previous statements that seemed to imply an order. Barbers, who chairs the House Quad Committee, noted in a GMA News report that while investigations are ongoing, accountability for the deaths should not rest solely on one person, given the thousands of lives lost.
In response, Salvador Panelo, former presidential chief legal counsel, denied that these killings were state-sponsored. According to Panelo, Duterte’s directive was for law enforcement to arrest, detain, and prosecute individuals involved in illegal drugs, using only necessary force when met with violent resistance.
At a Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing, Duterte acknowledged having a death squad comprising “gangsters” and stated he would accept full legal responsibility for his drug war actions, without apologizing. He argued his duty was to protect the Philippines and its citizens, asserting the anti-drug campaign was focused on shielding the innocent and eradicating illegal drugs, not promoting violence.
Panelo further clarified that Duterte had directed prosecutions against law enforcement officials who abused their power, referencing cases like that of Kian Delos Santos. However, he emphasized that criminal responsibility is individual, and unlawful acts by officers could not legally be attributed to Duterte. Police records estimate around 6,000 deaths during the drug war, although human rights organizations claim the figure is closer to 30,000.
