Summary
Highlights
President Duterte's drug war in the Philippines has resulted in thousands of deaths. Duterte's rhetoric, comparing himself to Hitler and expressing a desire to slaughter drug addicts, has fueled the violent campaign. Despite widespread criticism from human rights groups, a significant portion of the public has initially supported his ruthless methods, believing them necessary for change. The documentary highlights the systematic nature of the killings, often labeled as vigilante-style but with suspected police involvement.
The documentary shows a police training session where discipline is emphasized. A police officer states that respect can be earned either through fear or liking. This segment provides insight into the mindset and training within the Philippine police force, revealing a culture where strong-arm tactics are taught and implicitly endorsed as a means of control and achieving perceived order. The officer's statement regarding fear and respect reflects the heavy-handed approach taken in the drug war.
The drug war disproportionately affects the poor, with reports indicating over 5,000 drug-related deaths. The police face accusations of corruption and human rights abuses, leading to a shift in public perception. Despite these criticisms, some local officials like Axel Martinez continue to advocate for community policing and engagement, suggesting differing approaches within the police force to combat the drug problem and address public concerns.
The film offers a glimpse into the overcrowded and harsh conditions of a Philippine prison, where an inmate sings about their struggles, reflecting the human cost of the drug war. Meanwhile, President Duterte continues to justify his brutal campaign, reiterating his commitment to kill those involved in drugs to protect the country's children. He dismisses criticism, asserting that his orders are for the greater good, illustrating his unwavering resolve despite mounting international condemnation.
Officials express strong support for President Duterte's anti-drug drive, acknowledging its harshness but asserting the necessity of a strong hand to combat what they describe as the 'evil of all evils.' Senior Superintendent Jemar Modequillo, a key figure in the campaign, emphasizes the president's determination and the importance of following orders, portraying the drug war as a necessary measure for national well-being.
Duterte explicitly grants police immunity for their actions in the drug war, stating that he will protect them from any legal repercussions for murder or unlawful killings, as long as they follow his instructions. He authorizes lethal force against those who violently resist arrest, effectively giving police a license to kill. This directive underpins the high death toll and the climate of impunity surrounding the campaign.
Despite claims from the public and even some police officers that many drug-related shootings and vigilante killings are carried out by the police, officials like Modequillo deny direct involvement. They assert that police only kill in self-defense when suspects 'fight back,' and portray extrajudicial killings as legitimate law enforcement actions, defending the government's stance while deflecting accountability for suspicious deaths.
Human rights advocates vocally condemn Duterte, holding him accountable for the widespread extrajudicial killings. The documentary reveals that Modequillo was eventually fired from his post for failing to solve over half of the shootings under his watch. Despite official denials, the film implies a systemic issue, with questions raised about whether directives for violence came from higher up, even as investigations are promised.
Modequillo reflects on his duty, acknowledging the sacrifices made and the imperfections of human actions, yet ultimately reiterates the importance of being a 'good follower.' The documentary concludes by emphasizing that the drug war will continue relentlessly, as chilling and uncompromising as it began, highlighting the ongoing human cost and the unresolved issues of justice and accountability in the Philippines.