The Philippines’ "War on Drugs": A Legacy of Controversy and Reform
March 10, 2025
The Philippines’ "War on Drugs," launched in 2016 under then-President Rodrigo Duterte, remains a polarizing chapter in the nation’s history. Known for its brutal tactics and staggering death toll, the campaign has drawn global scrutiny while undergoing a notable shift under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
Origins and Implementation
Duterte’s administration kicked off the campaign with a pledge to eradicate illegal drugs, mobilizing the Philippine National Police (PNP) through initiatives like Oplan Double Barrel. Programs such as Oplan Tokhang—where police urged suspected drug users and dealers to surrender—and Oplan HVT, targeting high-value drug figures, defined the crackdown. Duterte framed it as a necessary purge, but critics decried its focus on the urban poor and reliance on extrajudicial killings.
A Heavy Human Toll
Official data reports over 6,252 deaths in police operations, though human rights groups estimate the true count could reach 30,000. Allegations of police misconduct, including planted evidence and staged encounters, have plagued the campaign. Victims, often from marginalized communities and including minors, left behind families grappling with trauma and loss. The United Nations, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch have condemned the violence, while the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates potential crimes against humanity.
Marcos’ Pivot to Reform
Since taking office in 2022, President Marcos has distanced himself from Duterte’s approach, prioritizing rehabilitation over retribution. His administration’s Buhay Ay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program emphasizes community-driven prevention and recovery. Yet, sporadic extrajudicial killings and a backlog of unresolved cases suggest the war’s shadow endures.
Accountability and Admissions
In 2024, convictions of several police officers for drug-war killings offered rare accountability, though justice remains elusive for most victims. Duterte, unrepentant, recently admitted to operating a "death squad" as mayor of Davao and signaled readiness to face arrest over the campaign’s fallout.
The Road Ahead
As Marcos steers the Philippines toward a rehabilitative model, the nation confronts the war’s lingering wounds. Families demand justice and reparations, while the international community watches closely. The "War on Drugs" stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of punitive policies—and the challenge of reconciling reform with a controversial past.
