Families of Philippine Drug War Victims Seek Justice Amid Online…

Families of victims from the Philippine drug war, including Sheerah Escudero, have reported a coordinated online harassment campaign. They are urging law enforcement, specifically the National Bureau of Investigation, to investigate and identify those behind the attacks. Katherine Panguban and Kristina Conti are advocating for legal action against the perpetrators, emphasizing the need to counter rampant misinformation and intimidation tactics.

The families of victims of the Philippine drug war have reported significant online harassment, urging law enforcement authorities to investigate these coordinated attacks and identify the perpetrators. Among the victims is Sheerah Escudero, whose brother was slain in 2017; she has faced severe online intimidation following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently facing trial at the International Criminal Court.

Katherine Panguban of the National Union of People’s Lawyers stated, “The families have been subjected to online bashing and intimidation. They have been called liars, paid hacks, and fake victims.” Escudero shared her experience of receiving numerous derogatory messages on social media, with allegations asserting that she is a drug addict and a paid advocate against Duterte.

Escudero, alongside Kristina Conti, a human rights attorney, has requested that the National Bureau of Investigation trace the identities of those responsible for these social media attacks. Conti emphasized the need to counteract the discrediting tactics employed against families seeking justice for their loved ones. Panguban expressed hope that legal action could be pursued against the individuals behind these campaigns.

In addition to online harassment, misinformation has proliferated on social media, with supporters of Duterte depicting his arrest as akin to “kidnapping.” Notably, advertisements supporting the former president have also been discovered on Facebook. Duterte, who served from 2016 to 2022, faces allegations of crimes against humanity tied to his controversial anti-drug policies that resulted in numerous fatalities.

In conclusion, the families of Philippine drug war victims are confronting a troubling wave of online harassment amid the ongoing trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Their calls for a thorough investigation by law enforcement highlight the urgent need to address these tactics aimed at silencing their pursuit of justice. The interplay between misinformation and targeted online attacks underscores the broader challenges faced by victims’ families in their quest for accountability and recognition.

Original Source: www.usnews.com