Unconditional support for Duterte’s War on Drugs by citizens

Drug abuses caught in the act by police. Photo: AP

Philippines: the country that sent troops over to support the Korean war; the country that used to be second in wealth to neighboring Japan. In mid-1980s, the people continued in the long-fought race against President Marcos’ dictatorship, winning that race in June of 1987. And even though many Philippines have lived in other nations and spread ideas and have helped other partner nations socially and economically, it is also true that many do not really know the country as much as they think.

Since the past summer, news regarding the Philippines was regularly brought up throughout international news. More specifically, news about President Roderigo Duterte’s War on Drugs was on the international agenda. Since being in office, Duterte (formerly Governor of Davao city) announced his will to fight the nation’s issue with institutionalized drug dealing and abuse.

It has been said that the number of deaths from this war on drugs ranges from 3000 to almost 10,000 persons. The large difference in numbers is mainly due to the fact that more than the extrajudicial killings, more people have been killed from organized crime offenders and drug mafia groups.

People have generally responded in two ways regarding Duterte’s drug war. Citizens of the Philippines are in absolute support of the Duterte regime whilst the international society and foreign media have covered the policies as being inhumane.

Women guests take a selfie with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, right, after the "Assumption of Command" ceremonies of new Police Chief, Director General Ronald Dela Rosa at Camp Crame, Philippine National Police headquarters, in suburban Quezon city, Manila, Philippines on Friday, July 1, 2016. Duterte, who was sworn in as the Philippines' 16th president, has given himself a colossal campaign promise to fulfill, eradicating crime especially drug trafficking, smuggling, rapes and murder in three to six months. (Photo: AP)

Women guests take a selfie with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. (Photo: AP)

Thus, the conclusion after meeting with domestic reporters in Manila and Philippine reporters residing in Korea follows:

“The current War on Drugs is the path that President Duterte has decided. His war is being unconditionally supported by the majority of his people who consider the lives of innocent citizens at risk of drug abuse much more significant than those who are already addicted to drugs and to those who are the drug dealers. The people of the Philippines are those who are the most eager to see an end to this war with a drug-free nation able to move forward.”

In this image made from video provided by Radio Television Malacanang, new Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte takes the oath during the inauguration ceremony in Malacanang Palace, Thursday, June 30, 2016 in Manila, Philippines. Duterte was sworn in Thursday as president of the Philippines, with many hoping his maverick style will energize the country, but others fearing he could undercut one of Asia's liveliest democracies amid his threats to kill criminals en masse. (Radio Television Malacanang via AP Video)

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte takes the oath during the inauguration ceremony in Malacanang Palace, Thursday, June 30, 2016 in Manila, Philippines. (Photo: AP)