Duterte’s Unjust Legacy: A Tale of Victims and Privilege
This article discusses the stark contrast between Rodrigo Duterte’s current due process and the lack of justice for his victims during the drug war from 2016 to 2022. Families of the deceased share their emotional turmoil, reflecting on loss and the hope of accountability. Duterte’s arrest prompts reflections on the systemic injustice faced by victims and the disparity in treatment by authorities.
Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, which spanned his presidency from 2016 to 2022, led to controversial police operations resulting in numerous deaths. Official government figures attribute at least 6,252 killings to this crackdown, while human rights organizations estimate the toll may be closer to 30,000, including both police actions and vigilante involvement. Reports indicate that victims were often portrayed as drug criminals, as Duterte frequently declared that anyone resisting arrest would be killed, an assertion he delivered amidst public applause.
The personal impact of these killings is deeply felt by the victims’ families. During a poignant moment in a Manila church, Lourdes, the widow of one victim, Constantino “De Juan” Juan, expressed her complex emotions regarding Duterte’s recent arrest: “I’m happy, but not really happy.” The pain of losing her husband is compounded by the freedom accorded to his killers, highlighting the dissonance between Duterte’s current legal situation and the countless victims denied justice.
Since 2016, significant media attention has been directed towards the brutality of Duterte’s policies. Victims’ families reported the horrifying circumstances surrounding these murders, reflecting an ongoing legacy of trauma and fear. Many express a mixture of sorrow and hope after learning of Duterte’s arrest, seeking acknowledgment for their loved ones while grappling with profound grief and longing.
The scenes of violence were often gruesome, with victims found in various states post-mortem; Juan’s tragic death has left a vivid imprint on those who knew him. His children witnessed the attack firsthand as their father confronted armed officers in their home, desperately pleading for his life. This harrowing narrative underscores the brutality of law enforcement actions throughout Duterte’s term.
Duterte’s arrest marks a stark contrast to the harsh realities endured by his victims. His treatment by law enforcement upon arrest stands in sharp relief to the experiences of those who faced violence in his drug war. Remarkably, he was escorted with honor to a special lounge, highlighting a disparity in the enforcement of laws for individuals based on their social standing.
The response of the Philippine populace towards Duterte remains complex, with many still supporting him, especially following the recent electoral success of his daughter Sara. However, some family members of the victims, like Cejhay, Juan’s son, implore society to remember the humanity of their lost family members, emphasizing their stories amidst the political turmoil. The anguish felt is palpable, as families struggle against the narrative that denies their loved ones’ humanity and worth.
Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war has resulted in widespread loss of life and deep emotional scars for countless families. As he faces justice in international courts, the stark difference in how victims were treated compared to his privileged position highlights the systemic failures of accountability. Continued support for Duterte among certain segments of the population complicates the narrative of justice, underscoring the need for remembrance of the victims as the struggle for accountability persists. Their stories reveal the human cost of a violent regime and challenge society to reconsider the definitions of justice and humanity.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
