CHR launches probe on deaths in Davao City’s ‘restarted’ drug war

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) office in Davao Region has initiated an investigation into the deaths that reportedly happened during the “restarted” drug war in Davao City after five suspects were killed in a span of 24 hours.

In a statement on Tuesday, CHR said that it was gravely concerned over Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s declaration that he will resume the drug war and noted that even arrested criminals have a fundamental right to life.

“The [CHR] expresses grave concern over the recent declaration of Davao City Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte’s war against drugs. Principal to the pursuit of truth and justice relies on the unconditional respect for every person’s most fundamental right — the right to life itself, even if they are arrested for an alleged criminal offense,” CHR said.

“According to published reports, five drug suspects have already been shot down in separate incidents over the course of 24 hours, two days after Mayor Baste declared a war on drugs. In accordance with our Constitutional mandate, CHR Region XI has launched an investigation concerning the alleged drug-related killings in the city,” it added.

CHR also said that it condemns the ‘alarming incidents of alleged extrajudicial killings’ that were associated with the anti-drug campaign, because if true, these may be considered grave rights violations.

“The Commission vehemently denounces the alarming incidents of alleged extrajudicial killings associated with the anti-drug campaign in Davao City, as these acts constitute grave violations of fundamental human rights, particularly the right to life and due process, and are in direct disregard to the principles of justice and the rule of law,” it noted.

Duterte — son of former President Rodrigo Duterte and brother of incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte — gave a warning to drug pushers to get out of his city during a recent public event.  After this, local papers have reported that several drug suspects have died in police operations days after the warning.

The Dutertes became national figures after their patriarch was catapulted into the presidency after a promise to rid the country of illegal drugs.  The former president’s drug war, which was a continuation of his policy when he was also Davao mayor, led to over 6,250 deaths in police operations.

READ: 6,252 drug suspects killed as of May 31 – PDEA

However, activist groups have claimed that the true death toll during Duterte’s term from June 2016 to June 2022 may be anywhere between 12,000 to 30,000.  Several individuals, including relatives of drug war victims, have also filed cases against Duterte before the International Criminal Court for the crime against humanity of mass murder.

READ: Duterte, 11 others accused of crimes against humanity before ICC

CHR said that it understands that the drug problem is still a cause for concern, but it should not be addressed by putting the law in someone’s hands.

“While the CHR recognizes the gravity of the drug problem in the country and the importance of anti-drug programs in addressing the issue with utmost urgency, we reiterate that putting the law in someone’s hands will not resolve the problem as it only perpetuates the culture of impunity, violence, fear, and threat,” CHR said.

“Using extrajudicial means undermines the rule of law and destroys faith in legal systems, ultimately hindering genuine efforts to address the root causes of drug-related problems in the country,” it added.

Instead of a violent approach, CHR said strategies that include upholding human rights principles would be best for the country’s fight against illegal drug use.

“In line with this, we acknowledge the importance of comprehensive and effective drug-abuse and trafficking prevention strategies. True advancement, however, can only be made by institutionalizing policies that uphold human rights principles and follow legal frameworks that no longer foster further violence, insecurity, and a culture of impunity,” CHR said.

“As duty-bearer, the State has an obligation to respect and protect the human rights of every citizen, in particular, victims of drug-related killings. This includes taking decisive action to conduct prompt and impartial investigation into these incidents and ensuring that those responsible for the killings related to the anti-drug campaign are held accountable, thereby attaining justice for the victims,” it added.