Duterte Admits to Oversight of 'Death Squad' During Drug War Campaign

In his first appearance before an investigation into the controversial drug war that defined his presidency, Rodrigo Duterte openly confessed to maintaining a "death squad" comprised of gangsters while mayor of Davao City. The 79-year-old ex-president, who had previously centered his national political identity on an anti-crime agenda, reportedly instructed the group to eliminate specific targets, asserting, "kill this person, because if you do not, I will kill you now." This startling revelation emerged during a Senate hearing where Duterte defended his notorious war on drugs, claiming it was necessary for national security despite the subsequent thousands of deaths connected to the campaign.

Duterte's statements provided a rare glimpse into his controversial tactics, reinforcing claims that his administration facilitated extrajudicial killings under the guise of combating illegal drug activities. He rejected the notion that he sanctioned police killings directly but differentiated between police and his "death squad." His inquisitors, including victims’ families and critics, confronted him during this session, adding to the weight of the testimony. The Philippine government maintains that over 6,252 people were killed in the drug war, while human rights organizations estimate the true figure could reach tens of thousands. The lasting impact of Duterte's anti-drug policy continues to influence the nation amid ongoing debates about rights and justice.