Summary
Highlights
The documentary introduces the controversial drug war launched by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, highlighting the harsh criticism he has faced for the bloody campaign. The film is described as a "street-level investigation" of this murderous initiative, depicting a dark age of cruelty and a reality so electrifying it commands attention.
President Duterte's inflammatory statements are showcased, including his comparison to Hitler and his expressed desire to violently eliminate drug addicts. The documentary details the open encouragement of killings by President Duterte, making anyone suspected of drug ties a target. His direct orders to police to "kill them" are presented as a driving force behind the extrajudicial killings.
The public's initial support for Duterte's ruthless methods is noted, with a hint that this support may be wavering. The film suggests widespread police involvement in vigilante-style killings, indicating that Duterte is delivering on his promises of mass extra-judicial killings.
A scene depicting police training emphasizes the importance of winning hearts and minds, yet a senior officer states, "We do not want to kill. No." This is juxtaposed with an earlier statement that if a resolution can be achieved without the death penalty, it should be pursued. The training also reveals a commander telling his officers that earning respect means either being feared or liked, and punishes an officer for not following a one-round firing instruction, highlighting discipline and obedience.
The documentary highlights that thousands have been killed in the drug war, with over 5,000 drug-related deaths reported. The campaign is criticized as a "class war" disproportionately affecting the poor. The police are shown facing mounting criticism, accusations of rampant corruption, and human rights abuses, indicating a major shift in the drug campaign.
The film follows police operations, including raids where they discover drug paraphernalia and question residents. Emotional scenes capture the distress of a woman whose home is searched and whose family members are questioned and taken away, providing a glimpse into the human cost of the drug war.
The documentary shows the overcrowded and grim conditions of detention centers, where individuals are held for minor drug offenses. It also presents moments of resilience and normalcy, with people singing, getting haircuts, and engaging in daily life, underscoring the contrast between the ongoing violence and the human spirit.
Duterte reiterates his threatening stance against drug users and dealers, stating he will kill those who destroy the Philippines with drugs. Senior police officials justify the harsh approach, calling drugs the "evil of all evils" and emphasizing the need for a strong hand. They stress the importance of being good followers of the president's directives.
President Duterte assures police of his protection if they follow orders, even in cases of unlawful killing, as long as they overcome resistance. A police officer asserts that police killings are legitimate if suspects fight back, claiming to enforce the law. He suggests that drug addicts choose their fate, transferring "to reassign in hell." The film also reveals that some police officers admit that their colleagues are involved in the killings, despite official denials.
Activists and critics directly confront President Duterte, accusing him of creating a structure for mass murder and vowing to hold him accountable for the thousands of extra-judicial killings. A police official, Modequillo, is questioned about the professional nature of the shootings and the public perception of police involvement, acknowledging that some officers believe their colleagues are responsible, but insists on ongoing investigations.
The documentary reports that Senior Superintendent Jemar Modequillo, featured in the film, was fired for failing to solve a significant number of shootings in Caloocan. Despite this, another officer expresses a soldier's duty to follow orders. The film concludes with Duterte's unwavering commitment to the drug war, promising it will remain relentless and chilling, underscoring the ongoing human rights crisis in the Philippines.