Ever wondered just how far a leader might go to “clean up” the streets? Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte recently lifted the curtain, confessing to organizing a “death squad” during his time as Davao’s mayor.
In his first official testimony, Duterte discussed his daring strategy—recruiting gang members, not police, to target suspected criminals and tackle crime head-on.
His nationwide anti-drug war, launched in 2016, led to thousands of deaths and has kept critics and supporters talking ever since.
This latest revelation only intensifies his legacy, now under the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) microscope as they investigate the toll of his relentless campaign.
Bold Move or a Dangerous Gamble?
Duterte shared how he’d urge his squad members to kill, warning them, “kill this person, or I’ll kill you now.”
His approach was clear-cut, yet ruthless, as he aimed to “clean up” the streets. While he has remained unapologetic, he denied ever directing police to kill, insisting the squad was composed of gangsters rather than law enforcement.
“Do not question my policies; I did what I had to do.”
Duterte’s fierce stance against drugs—calling it his “personal vendetta”—left a polarizing mark on the country.
But, with the ICC’s scrutiny, his critics are more vocal than ever, challenging the “tough-on-crime” method as an excuse for unchecked violence. Duterte also hinted that, given the chance, he’d gladly repeat his aggressive approach, pointing to rising crime since his term ended.
Legacy of Justice or Just Brutality
Facing his critics, including the families of those killed in his anti-drug operations, Duterte’s testimony reopened painful questions for many.
Former senator Leila de Lima, jailed during his presidency, also attended the Senate hearing, underscoring the depth of opposition his policies stirred.
Official figures place the drug war death toll at over 6,252, though human rights groups estimate it much higher. The UN has criticized Duterte’s rhetoric, which many believe empowered police to act without restraint.
The controversial drug campaign has its supporters, particularly among citizens deeply affected by drug issues.
While some decry his methods as brutality masquerading as justice, others see his legacy as a necessary stand against a rampant drug problem. Was his relentless pursuit of order worth the human cost?
Duterte’s admission now adds a new chapter to the ongoing debate over justice and power—and whether his war on drugs left the Philippines better off or further divided.
