War on drugs is not a license to kill

Families of those killed in President Duterte’s drug war know all too well the terror of losing a loved one to “Operation Double Barrel.” Many are becoming advocates themselves and denouncing Mr. Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.

Even if many Filipinos have turned a blind eye and cold-heartedly ignored their plight, these families are plodding on with the help of advocates to find their footing and organize among themselves to take on this war on drugs.

Their message is clear: Mr. Duterte is waging war against his own people.

The killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos is appalling. According to testimony of family and witnesses, this boy was handed a gun and ordered to run! We do not believe any supposed evidence by police—their pattern is already well established. They have no conscience and will plant evidence on anyone. This situation is flatly barbaric.

The actions and behavior of the police are beyond reason. As they seek to comply with the bloodlust of President Duterte, they are devoid of any moral compass and ravage families and communities.

There may be martial law in Mindanao, but we have had martial rule in poor communities through Mr. Duterte’s war on drugs since his first day in office. People have been killed every day at the whim of state forces in the name of Operation Double Barrel. There is no due process. They just keep gunning people down on the street.

We want an end to the proliferation of drugs but Mr. Duterte has chosen the wrong approach. The supply of drugs through drug lords, suppliers, producers and narcopoliticians must be dismantled; this is what ails us. The poor need and deserve livelihood programs and social services, including rehabilitation for those dependent on drug use. We must address the roots of illegal drug trade and not just give the police a license to kill.

FR. GILBERT BILLENA, O.Carm., spokesperson, Rise Up for Life and for Rights, [email protected]