Duterte Pledges to Ramp Up Drug War Killings if Re-Elected as Davao Mayor
DUTERTE – Former president Rodrigo Duterte pledges to double drug war death toll if re-elected as Davao City mayor.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, facing possible prosecution for thousands of deaths linked to his controversial drug war, has made waves with his recent statements. At a House committee hearing, Duterte boldly declared that if he is re-elected as Davao City mayor in 2025, he would “double” the death toll related to drug enforcement in the city.
His comments come as the International Criminal Court (ICC) continues its investigation into potential crimes against humanity related to his aggressive anti-drug campaign.
During the hearing on Wednesday, Duterte addressed members of the House quad committee. He openly admitted to instructing law enforcement to target drug manufacturers and high-profile distributors. “I will admit that I ordered them (policemen) to go after drug manufacturers, including big-time drug distributors. I would let them all be killed,” he stated, reflecting a defiant stance that has defined his approach to drug-related crime since his presidency.
Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which officially claimed the lives of more than 7,000 people according to government figures, has faced severe criticism both domestically and internationally. Human rights advocates argue that the actual death toll may exceed 20,000, attributing many of the extrajudicial killings to his administration’s policies and the perceived impunity among law enforcement agencies. The ICC investigation seeks to examine these allegations and establish whether the campaign constitutes crimes against humanity.
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In response to a question from Sta. Rosa City Representative Dan Fernandez on whether he was disappointed by the current statistics, Duterte, unfazed, replied with a smile. He reiterated his readiness to continue his violent approach if given the opportunity, stating, “If ever I will again have the chance to become president, then I will surely make up for it. They (drug lords) heard me: Don’t destroy my country. I will have you all killed.”
As Duterte campaigns for the Davao City mayoral seat, his main rival is Karlo Nograles, a lawyer and former Cabinet secretary appointed during Duterte’s presidency. Nograles is the son of Duterte’s late political rival, House Speaker Prospero Nograles Jr., and the contest is expected to reignite old political tensions in the region. Duterte’s statements underscore his unwavering stance on drug-related crime and signal that his controversial policies may not yet be a thing of the past.