Philippines launches independent truth panel to probe ‘drugs war’ killings
The Philippines launched a civilian-led truth commission to investigate alleged extrajudicial killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, aiming to compile evidence for legal accountability. The commission, chaired by former ICC judge Raul Pangalangan, will hold public hearings and issue periodic reports to document abuses and guide reforms, amid ongoing ICC proceedings against Duterte for crimes against humanity.
A new Philippine Truth and Reconciliation Commission began operations on May 27, led by former International Criminal Court judge Raul Pangalangan, to investigate the alleged extrajudicial killings linked to President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. The commission operates independently and seeks to create a credible public record of abuses, including claims that police killed tens of thousands of suspects despite official figures of 6,200 deaths during anti-drug operations. Duterte, who ruled from 2016 to 2022, faces ICC charges for crimes against humanity, which he denies. The commission’s work coincides with an ongoing manhunt for his former police chief, Ronald dela Rosa, a senator wanted by the ICC for alleged involvement in unlawful killings. Both deny wrongdoing. The commission will hold public hearings for victims, families, witnesses, and former perpetrators, with protections in place. It will prepare evidence-based recommendations for Philippine authorities, including the justice ministry and National Bureau of Investigation. Members include human rights researchers and forensic specialists, with findings to be published every six months. Pangalangan stated the commission’s goal is not to assign guilt but to document abuses for accountability and prevention of future violence. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, an advisor and former Catholic Bishop, emphasized the need to preserve victims’ stories. Duterte’s drug crackdown, launched after his 2016 election, saw a surge in drug-related killings, including fatal police operations and vigilante murders. Human rights groups accuse police of systematic killings, cover-ups, and staged crime scenes, while authorities blame turf wars and vigilantes. The commission aims to address these allegations through verified evidence.
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