Duterte Reveals 'Death Squad' Tactics in Controversial Drug War Testimony

Rodrigo Duterte admits to implementing a 'death squad' to combat crime, facing families of victims as the International Criminal Court probes the violent drug war that left thousands dead.

In a stunning revelation, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte acknowledged the existence of a "death squad" used to tackle crime during his time as mayor of Davao City. This admission came during his first testimony at a Senate investigation into his notorious anti-drug campaign. At 79, Duterte expressed his unwavering stance against illegal drugs, stating, "I hate drugs, make no mistake about it."

Duterte, who rose to the presidency in 2016 with promises to expand his controversial Davao strategies nationwide, claimed that his so-called death squad was made up of gangsters. He further detailed his ruthless approach, saying he would instruct them to target specific individuals, warning that failure would result in their own demise. "Kill this person, because if you do not, I will kill you now," Duterte recounted.

His war on drugs has become an international point of contention, with the International Criminal Court now investigating the widespread killings. During the Senate hearing, Duterte continued to defend his policies, urging the police to provoke suspects into confrontations that could justify the use of lethal force. "Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies, no excuses," he stated, insisting his actions were for the benefit of the country.

While he admitted to having a death squad, he vehemently denied authorizing police assassinations, claiming that those involved were not members of the police force but rather "gangsters." Yet he maintained his hardline stance, exclaiming, "If given another chance, I’ll wipe all of you."

This Senate inquiry marks Duterte's first direct engagement with critics, including family members of drug war victims and former senator Leila de Lima, a prominent Duterte opponent who faced drug-related charges during his administration, though those charges have since been dismissed.

Official Philippine government figures indicate over 6,252 people were killed during this campaign, with human rights organizations suggesting the true number could be significantly higher. A previous report by the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights criticized Duterte's aggressive drug crackdown, indicating that his rhetoric may have implicitly sanctioned violence against suspected drug offenders. Police defended the killings as self-defense, although many victims’ families argue those killed were innocent bystanders caught in the turmoil.

The drug war, heavily criticized globally, gained some support domestically due to the widespread prevalence of methamphetamine use, locally referred to as "shabu," highlighting the complex views surrounding Duterte's policies in a nation grappling with addiction.