Iglesia Filipina Independiente Bishop Felixberto Calang has expressed concern regarding the continuing climate of impunity and fear in the country. And it all goes back to the days of Rodrigo Duterte’s crusade against narcotics, which started in 2016.
Duterte's infamous 'Oplan Tokhang' began in 2016 and saw the deaths of thousands of people, mostly drug users and peddlers. TokHang is coined from the Visayan words toktok (knock) and hangyo (plead).
READ: SC asked to nullify Duterte’s ‘drug war’ memo According to Bishop Calang, the current administration continues to perpetuate this atmosphere of fear among citizens, even with the promise to shift focus towards rehabilitation efforts. 'We have not seen much change,' he said in an interview with the Inquirer. 'People are afraid, they don't speak up,' he added, 'They don't know if the person next to them might be a drug user, and the police might show up at any moment.' It's worth noting that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration has maintained that it has moved away from Duterte's aggressive approach and has opted for a more community-based approach to addressing drug addiction. 'We have shifted our focus from law enforcement to rehabilitation,' a spokesperson said.
The shift has been reflected in the number of people killed in drug-related operations, which has decreased significantly since 2016. According to data, the number of deaths in anti-drug operations dropped by more than 80% in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period in 2020.
However, critics argue that while the numbers may have decreased, the culture of impunity and fear remains. They point to cases of alleged extrajudicial killings and the continued targeting of marginalized communities as evidence.
The issue is further complicated by the lack of transparency and accountability within the police force. In many cases, families of victims have reported encountering resistance from authorities when seeking justice. 'It's like they're not even taking our complaints seriously,' said one mother who lost her son in a supposed anti-drug operation.
As the issue remains unresolved, critics say that President Marcos Jr.'s administration must do more to address the root causes of the problem and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Key Facts: • Duterte's Oplan Tokhang resulted in the deaths of thousands of people between 2016 and 2021. • The number of deaths in anti-drug operations dropped by more than 80% in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period in 2020. • President Marcos Jr.'s administration has maintained that it has moved away from Duterte's aggressive approach and has opted for a more community-based approach to addressing drug addiction. • Critics argue that while the numbers may have decreased, the culture of impunity and fear remains. • Senator Leila de Lima has called for a revisit of the root causes of drug addiction and providing support and resources to affected communities.