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“There is No Such Thing as a Good War”

The issue of drugs has been one of the major problems in the Philippines. The Government had a

slow reaction to the issue until President Rodrigo Duterte won the National Election last May 2016 as the

16th President of the Philippines. As soon as he was seated in the highest and most important position, he

began accomplishing his promise of change, and as a part of his plan, he declared a war between order

and drugs. In a matter of weeks, the results came. Thousands of drug users surrendered themselves to the

authorities in fear of the President’s fury; however, there were still many who refused to do the same.

Because of this, the police force had no choice but to use their guns. In the same short time, hundreds

were killed since the war began when Rodrigo Duterte was inaugurated as president of the country at June

30, 2016. The fight against drugs can be accomplished even without blood being spread across the local

street. Drug Killings should not be encouraged by the president because it is a sentence without a due

process.

According to the charts created by ABS-CBN News, there were 358 drug users killed by police

force, 140 by unidentified gunman, and 46 were salvage victims as of 10 May 2016 to 22 July 2016, totaling

to a number of 544 on the death toll of the war of drugs, and the number continues to increase if not

stopped. (“MAP, CHARTS: The Death Toll of the War on Drugs”) It also made Vice President Leni Robredo

and Senator Leila de Lima ask the congress to investigate the drug killings. (Estanislao, Anna. “Robredo

urges authorities to probe drug-related extrajudicial killings.”)

The war of drugs is getting out of control. The killings became a quick sentence involving drugs,

and it seemed the due process of the law became useless. In an online news article, three victims of

suspected salvage were found in separate places in Malabon and Manila last July 21, 2016. One of the

victims, who are suspected being abuse before killed, had a cardboard besides him with the words,” I am
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an addict and a robber.” (“'Adik at magnanakaw ako:' Mga salvage victim, nakita sa Malabon, Maynila”) In

another article, a CCTV caught a former drug addict, who only came out from the rehabilitation center,

being shot dead by two suspects riding a motorcycle on the same date. (“Dating drug user patay sa

pananambang sa Caloocan.”) Human Rights Groups feared the widespread rights violations if the drug

killings continue. There are rights being violated. 1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE III, BILL

OF RIGHTS, Section 1 clearly stated, “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due

process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.”

Most Filipinos also believe in Catholic beliefs, and surely know the Ten Commandments. The sixth

commandment at Exodus 20:2-17 clearly stated, “You shall not murder.” Bro. Jose Mari Jimenez, the De La

Salle president, expressed a pastoral letter which he encouraged members of the Lasallian communities to

speak up against the rising cases of drug and crime-related killings, and the absence of significant public

voices against it are very alarming. He supports the operation of diminishing on criminality and drug

addiction; this must be done without violating the law and the principles of human dignity. "What is needed

to create a better society is that all cooperate in insuring the promotion of each one's dignity, rights and

responsibilities without exception," he said. "Let us not allow violence to rule us but in every circumstance

be vigilant and zealous in upholding the dignity and rights of all as befits responsible citizens and followers

of Christ.” (“De La Salle president urges students, teachers to speak against killings.”)

The Drug Killings aren’t necessary. If the Philippines is known for having the bloodless revolution

back in the 1986 which may should had lead into a war painting the streets red, why not do the same with

the war of drugs? The country cannot expect a just and peaceful society without a culture respecting life.

The Drug Killings should not be encouraged by the President because it is a sentence without a due

process.
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“MAP, CHARTS: The Death Toll of the War on Drugs.” ABS-CBN News. 2016 July 13. Web. 20 July 2016.

Estanislao, Anna. “Robredo urges authorities to probe drug-related extrajudicial killings.” CNN Philippines.

2016 July 14. Web. 2016 July 19.

“'Adik at magnanakaw ako:' Mga salvage victim, nakita sa Malabon, Maynila” ABS-CBN News. 2016 July

21. Web. 2016 July 23

“Dating drug user patay sa pananambang sa Caloocan.” ABS-CBN News. 2016 July 21. Web. 2016 July

23.

“De La Salle president urges students, teachers to speak against killings.” ABS-CBN News. 2016 July 22.

Web. 2016 July 23.

“Article III: Bill of Rights” Human Rights Online Philippines. n.d. Web. 2016 July 20.

Bennett, Mike. “10 Commandments List.” Life, Hope, and Truth. n.d. Web. 2016 July 24.