Duterte Denies ‘Reward System’ in Drug War. The Philippine government’s controversial “war on drugs” under the leadership of former President Rodrigo Duterte continues to spark debates both locally and internationally.
Amidst allegations and widespread concerns regarding the violent nature of the campaign, Duterte has consistently defended his administration’s methods. In a recent statement, the former president strongly refuted claims that a “reward system” existed during his tenure, dismissing accusations of incentivizing the Philippine National Police (PNP) to carry out extrajudicial killings.
Duterte’s Response to the Reward System Allegation
The former president was categorical in his denial of any form of reward system that paid police officers for killing drug suspects. “Walang reward system,” Duterte declared, adding that the only recognition he extended to police officers involved in the drug war was through food and congratulatory messages.
He emphasized that the recognition was meant to boost morale but did not include any financial compensation.
Duterte clarified further, “Tanging pagkain at pagbati lang ang binigay ko.” This, according to him, was his administration’s way of acknowledging the hard work of law enforcement, without offering monetary rewards or promoting violence.
The controversy regarding the so-called reward system arose after retired police Col. Royiba Garma, a close ally of Duterte, testified in a House Quad Committee hearing. During the testimony, Garma alleged that cash rewards were indeed given to police officers for every drug suspect they killed.
According to Garma, the financial incentives ranged from ₱20,000 to ₱1 million, depending on the case and the profile of the drug personality.
The Numbers Behind the Drug War
According to official records from the Philippine National Police (PNP), more than 6,000 individuals involved in drug-related activities were killed during Duterte’s “war on drugs.” This figure has often been used by critics to highlight the brutality of the campaign, sparking widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, both local and international.
Despite the criticism, Duterte and his administration have defended the campaign, claiming that it was necessary to curb the rampant drug problem in the country.
The PNP’s figures, however, only account for confirmed cases. Human rights groups estimate the death toll to be much higher, with some reports suggesting that tens of thousands may have died as a result of the anti-drug operations. This discrepancy has only fueled the fire of controversy surrounding Duterte’s drug war.
| War on Drugs | Duterte’s nationwide anti-drug campaign that began in 2016 |
| Reward System | Allegations of cash rewards for police officers in exchange for drug kills |
| Philippine National Police | The police force responsible for carrying out anti-drug operations |
| Duterte Administration | The government under former President Rodrigo Duterte (2016-2022) |
| Extrajudicial Killings | Killings of drug suspects without due process during the drug war |
| Drug Personalities | Individuals involved in drug trafficking or abuse |
| Human Rights Concerns | Issues raised by human rights groups regarding the violent nature of the campaign |
Duterte’s Defense: No Orders to Kill
In his statement, Duterte not only denied the existence of a reward system but also stressed that he never instructed the police force to kill anyone. His consistent narrative has been that law enforcement was tasked with enforcing the law, particularly with regard to drug-related crimes, but without the explicit direction to take lives.
“Hindi ko kailanman inutusan ang kapulisan na pumatay,” Duterte reiterated. He has long argued that while police officers were given authority to act within the bounds of the law, it was never the administration’s policy to carry out executions.
Despite his strong defense, this statement is at odds with several reports that detail a pattern of killings during drug operations. Many survivors, families of victims, and witnesses have claimed that officers were given free rein to neutralize suspects, often under ambiguous circumstances. These accounts have raised questions about the true extent of the former president’s involvement in encouraging such actions.
Contradictions and Allegations
The allegations brought forth by Garma contradict Duterte’s narrative, further complicating the discourse surrounding his administration’s accountability. If true, the existence of a reward system would mean that police officers were not only motivated by their sense of duty but were also financially incentivized to carry out deadly operations.
Garma’s testimony opened the floodgates to more allegations, with critics suggesting that this practice could explain the spike in extrajudicial killings. With financial incentives allegedly ranging from ₱20,000 to as high as ₱1 million, police officers may have been encouraged to target suspected drug personalities without due process. This system, if proven, paints a picture of a law enforcement system deeply flawed and driven by material gain.
At the height of the drug war, there were numerous reports of police misconduct, including the planting of evidence and fabricated charges. These reports suggest that some law enforcement officers may have taken advantage of the reward system to inflate their successes, further contributing to the large number of deaths.
| Key Allegations | Details |
|---|---|
| Cash Rewards | Allegedly ranging from ₱20,000 to ₱1 million for each drug-related killing |
| Testimony of Royiba Garma | Former police officer testified about the existence of a reward system |
| Human Rights Violations | Accusations of extrajudicial killings and misconduct by the police force |
| Discrepancies in Death Toll | Difference between official PNP figures and estimates from human rights groups |
The Impact of the Drug War on Society
The drug war has undeniably left a significant mark on the Philippines. While Duterte’s administration maintained that the campaign was a necessary measure to address the growing drug menace, its repercussions on society cannot be ignored. Thousands of families have been left grieving, with many still seeking justice for the loss of their loved ones.
Communities most affected by the drug war have expressed fear and trauma from the violent operations, leading to a growing sense of distrust in law enforcement. This has made it increasingly difficult for the police to engage effectively with communities in addressing other forms of crime.
Moreover, the international community has scrutinized the Philippines for its handling of the anti-drug campaign. Organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for investigations into the alleged extrajudicial killings, with some even suggesting that Duterte should face charges before international courts.
A Need for Transparency
As the dust settles on Duterte’s presidency, the drug war remains a contentious issue. While Duterte continues to defend his administration’s actions, the testimonies of individuals like Garma suggest that there may be more to the story than what the public has been told.
For the Philippines to heal from the trauma of the drug war, there must be accountability and transparency. The government must work towards providing justice for the victims of extrajudicial killings and ensuring that such practices do not continue under future administrations.
Furthermore, the PNP must undergo reforms to restore public trust and ensure that law enforcement operates within the bounds of the law. The war on drugs may have addressed a pressing societal issue, but its execution has left deep scars on the nation.
| Key Points for Future Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Accountability | Investigate allegations of the reward system and extrajudicial killings |
| Police Reforms | Ensure PNP operates within legal bounds, without financial incentives |
| Justice for Victims | Provide justice for families affected by extrajudicial killings |
| Community Engagement | Rebuild trust between law enforcement and affected communities |
Conclusion
The allegations surrounding Duterte’s drug war reveal a complex and deeply contentious chapter in Philippine history. While Duterte remains adamant that no reward system was in place, the testimonies and evidence presented suggest that the full truth may still be uncovered in the years to come.