Post by : Shakul

The Philippines has launched an independent truth and reconciliation commission to investigate alleged extrajudicial killings linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs. The new civilian-led body aims to document abuses, gather evidence, and support future legal action against those responsible for unlawful killings.

The commission officially began work in Manila on Wednesday under the leadership of former International Criminal Court judge Raul Pangalangan. Officials said the panel would function independently from government control and focus on creating a credible public record of violence connected to anti-drug operations carried out between 2016 and 2022.

During Duterte’s presidency, police claimed around 6,200 drug suspects were killed while resisting arrest during anti-narcotics operations. However, human rights groups and activists argue that the actual number of deaths may have reached tens of thousands, especially in poor urban communities where killings became widespread.

Rodrigo Duterte is currently in The Hague awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court on allegations of crimes against humanity related to the deadly anti-drug crackdown. Duterte has repeatedly denied the accusations and defended his policies as necessary to fight crime and illegal drugs in the country.

The newly formed commission said it would hold public hearings involving victims’ families, witnesses, former law enforcement officials, and experts. The body plans to collect testimonies, verify evidence, and preserve records connected to alleged human rights abuses during the anti-drug campaign.

Commission members include specialists in forensics, trauma studies, and human rights investigations. Religious leaders and civil society organizations are also supporting the initiative. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, an adviser to the commission, said the process was important to ensure victims’ stories are heard and preserved for future accountability.

The launch of the commission also comes during an international manhunt for former police chief Ronald dela Rosa, a close ally of Duterte who is wanted by the ICC over alleged crimes connected to the anti-drug campaign. Dela Rosa has denied involvement in unlawful killings and rejected accusations against him.

Activists have long accused police officers of staging crime scenes, carrying out systematic executions, and hiding evidence during anti-drug raids. Philippine police have denied the allegations and argued that many killings were linked to gang violence and vigilante actions outside official operations.

The commission stated that it would issue public reports every six months and submit evidence-based recommendations to agencies such as the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, and law enforcement authorities. Officials said the goal is not only justice but also institutional reform and preventing future violence.

#Philippines #Human #Rights #World News