Beyond Extrajudicial Killings: Unmasking Human Rights Abuses in the Philippines

INTRODUCTION

Extrajudicial killings (EJKs) have been a persistent issue in the Philippines, with
alarmingly high numbers of killings occurring in recent years. While EJKs have taken place
under various administrations, they gained heightened attention during President Rodrigo
Duterte's "war on drugs" campaign, which commenced in 2016. This campaign has been widely
criticized for its alleged disregard for due process and the rule of law, with human rights groups
estimating that thousands of individuals have been killed by police and vigilantes.

Beyond the immediate loss of life, EJKs have far-reaching consequences for Philippine
society. They perpetuate a climate of violence and impunity, erode trust in institutions, and
hinder efforts to address the root causes of crime. Moreover, EJKs disproportionately affect
marginalized communities, such as the urban poor and suspected drug users, further exacerbating
existing inequalities. Addressing the EJK crisis requires a multifaceted approach that includes
holding perpetrators accountable, strengthening institutions, promoting human rights education,
and addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to violence.

BACKGROUND OF THE PAPER

I. Historical Context
A. EJKs have a long and tragic history in the Philippines, dating back to the colonial
era. During the Spanish colonial period, the Guardia Civil, a paramilitary police
force, was notorious for its use of summary executions against suspected rebels
and dissidents. This pattern of violence continued after the country gained
independence in 1946, as successive governments resorted to extrajudicial means
to suppress political dissent and insurgency.
B. The Marcos dictatorship (1965-1986) was a particularly dark period in Philippine
history, marked by widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial
killings. The military, under the command of President Ferdinand Marcos,
unleashed a campaign of violence against suspected communists and other
 perceived threats to the regime. Thousands of Filipinos were killed during this
period, often without due process or legal recourse.
C. After the Marcos dictatorship was overthrown in 1986, there was a period of
relative peace and stability in the Philippines. However, EJKs continued to occur,
albeit at a lower level than during the Marcos era. These killings were often
linked to political rivalries, personal vendettas, or the activities of vigilante
groups.
D. In recent years, EJKs have once again become a major issue in the Philippines.
The rise of the drug trade in the 1990s and early 2000s led to a surge in violence,
and successive governments responded with increasingly harsh anti-drug
measures. In 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte launched a controversial "war on
drugs" campaign that has been widely criticized for its alleged disregard for
human rights.
E. Under Duterte's war on drugs, thousands of suspected drug users and dealers have
been killed, many of them in extrajudicial killings. Human rights groups have
accused the Philippine government of complicity in these killings, and have called
for an international investigation. The Duterte administration has defended its war
on drugs, arguing that it is necessary to combat the country's drug problem.
However, critics argue that the campaign has been counterproductive, and that it
has only exacerbated violence and insecurity in the Philippines.

II. Factors Contributing to the Problem

There are a number of factors that contribute to the problem of EJKs in the Philippines. These
include:

A. A culture of impunity: There is a long history of impunity for human rights

abuses in the Philippines. This means that perpetrators of EJKs are often not held
accountable for their crimes. This lack of accountability creates a climate in
which violence is tolerated and even encouraged.
B. A weak justice system: The Philippine justice system is often slow, inefficient,
and corrupt. This makes it difficult to prosecute perpetrators of EJKs. Moreover,
 many Filipinos have lost faith in the justice system and believe that they cannot
get justice through legal means.
C. The prevalence of firearms: There is a high prevalence of firearms in the
Philippines. This makes it easy for people to commit EJKs.
D. The drug trade: The drug trade is a major source of violence in the Philippines.
Drug cartels and gangs often use EJKs to intimidate rivals and eliminate
competition.
E. The war on drugs: The Duterte administration's war on drugs has contributed to
the problem of EJKs. The administration's rhetoric and policies have created a
climate in which violence against suspected drug users and dealers is tolerated.

EXPLORATION OF DIVERSE PERSPECTIVE

Varied viewpoints on extrajudicial killings

The issue of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in the Philippines is a complex and contentious
one, with diverse perspectives held by various stakeholders. Here's an exploration of the
viewpoints of the government, human rights advocates, and the general public:

A. Governmental standpoint
The Philippine government has consistently defended its use of force in
combating crime, particularly in its "war on drugs" campaign. The government maintains
that EJKs are sometimes necessary to protect the lives of law enforcement officers and
the public from dangerous criminals. They argue that the drug trade is a major threat to
Philippine society and that EJKs are a necessary evil to eradicate it.
The government also points to the declining crime rates in recent years as
evidence of the effectiveness of its approach. They argue that the drop in crime is a result
of the government's crackdown on crime, including the use of EJKs.
B. Human rights advocates' outlook
Human rights advocates have been vocal critics of EJKs, arguing that they violate
fundamental human rights and undermine the rule of law. They contend that EJKs are
 often carried out without due process or legal justification, and that they
disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Human rights groups have also raised concerns about the lack of accountability
for EJKs. They have documented numerous cases of EJKs where perpetrators have not
been brought to justice, creating a climate of impunity.

C. Public sentiment
Public opinion on EJKs is mixed. Some Filipinos support the government's use of
force against criminals, believing that it is necessary to protect society. Others are
opposed to EJKs, arguing that they are unjustified and violate human rights.
A 2017 survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) found that 74% of Filipinos
wanted Duterte to make his drug list, where all the drug lords in the Philippines are listed,
public. Additionally, the survey showed that 60% of Filipinos agreed with the statement
that only poor drug pushers were killed. Moreover, 28% said that the police were lying,
but a quarter believed they were being honest.
These findings suggest that public opinion on EJKs is complex and nuanced.
While there is some support for the government's use of force, there is also significant
concern about the human rights implications of EJKs.

APPLICATION OF ETHICS

I. Ethical Dimension of Extrajudicial Killings.

The ethical dimension of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) is multifaceted and deeply
controversial. Condemning EJKs and seeking alternative solutions based on human
dignity and respect for the rule of law are essential for building a just and equitable
world. Here are some of the following points to consider:

Violation of Fundamental Human Rights:

Right to life: EJKs directly violate the most fundamental human right, the right to
life, enshrined in international treaties and national constitutions. This violation is
considered intrinsic and non-derogable, meaning it cannot be justified under any
circumstances.
 Right to due process: EJKs bypass established legal systems and deny individuals
the right to a fair trial and due process. This undermines the rule of law and leaves
individuals vulnerable to arbitrary and discriminatory state action.

Deontological Perspective:
Inherently wrong: Deontological ethics, which emphasizes duty and moral
principles, considers certain actions inherently wrong regardless of their
consequences. EJKs, by their very nature, violate fundamental human rights and are
therefore inherently wrong from this perspective.
Utilitarian arguments: Some argue that EJKs might deter crime and ensure public
safety, justifying them under a utilitarian framework. However, the effectiveness of
EJKs in achieving these goals is often questionable and can backfire, leading to
increased violence and social unrest.

Promoting Human Dignity:

Alternatives to EJKs: Ethical alternatives to EJKs are crucial for addressing crime
and maintaining security. These include effective law enforcement, fair judicial
systems, rehabilitation programs, and addressing root causes of violence and
inequality.
Accountability and justice: Holding perpetrators of EJKs accountable is essential
for upholding justice, deterring future abuses, and fostering healing and
reconciliation.
Education and dialogue: Education and open dialogue about the ethical implications
of EJKs are crucial for raising awareness, promoting critical thinking, and ensuring
that human rights are respected and protected.

II. Ethical Critique

A. Application of ethical theories discussed in the course
While the ethical condemnation of EJKs seems clear, engaging in nuanced
ethical discussions on the issue faces several challenges.
 1. Moral Subjectivism. This theory posits that morality is individual and
relative, making it difficult to establish universal principles condemning EJKs.
Critics might argue that what's ethical to one person (e.g., the government)
might not be for another (e.g., human rights advocates). However,
international human rights treaties and legal frameworks provide objective
standards against which EJKs can be evaluated, highlighting their violation of
fundamental rights regardless of individual perspectives.
2. Moral Relativism. This theory suggests that morality is relative to cultural
and social contexts. Some might argue that EJKs are acceptable in a specific
context like the Philippines' drug war. However, universal moral principles
like the right to life transcend cultural differences and should guide
international condemnation of such practices. Moreover, even within a
specific context, diverse perspectives exist, as evidenced by the mixed public
opinion in the Philippines.
3. Morality and Religion. Religious beliefs can influence views on EJKs. Some
religions might emphasize the sanctity of life and oppose EJKs, while others
might prioritize social order and condone them in certain situations.
Acknowledging these diverse religious perspectives is important in ethical
discussions, but it shouldn't detract from the universal condemnation of EJKs
based on fundamental human rights principles.
4. Morality and Law. Laws often codify moral principles and provide
frameworks for justice. While Philippine laws might not explicitly condemn
EJKs, they uphold the right to life and due process. The ethical critique of
EJKs can draw upon these legal frameworks, highlighting their violation of
established legal norms and principles. However, it's important to recognize
that laws can sometimes be flawed or manipulated, necessitating ethical
critiques that go beyond mere legal compliance.
 Application of other specific ethical theories:
a. Deontological Ethics. From a Kantian perspective, EJKs are inherently wrong
because they violate the categorical imperative, treating individuals as mere means to
 an end (e.g., fighting crime) rather than respecting them as ends in themselves with
inherent dignity and the right to life.
b. Utilitarian Ethics. Even under a utilitarian framework, EJKs are questionable. While
some argue their potential effectiveness in curbing crime might benefit society, the
potential for harm – including increased violence, erosion of trust, and violation of
human rights – outweighs any perceived benefits.
c. Virtue Ethics. From a virtue ethics perspective, EJKs violate virtues like justice,
fairness, and compassion. They perpetuate a cycle of violence and undermine social
trust, contradicting the values of a just and equitable society.

By applying diverse ethical theories and acknowledging the challenges of moral

subjectivity, relativism, and religion, we can strengthen the ethical critique of EJKs and advocate
for alternative solutions that uphold human dignity, the rule of law, and a just and peaceful
society.

CONCLUSION

I. Recommendation
Addressing the problem of EJKs in the Philippines will require a multi-pronged
approach that includes:
A. Holding perpetrators accountable: The Philippine government must take steps
to hold perpetrators of EJKs accountable for their crimes. This includes
strengthening the justice system and investigating and prosecuting those
responsible for EJKs.
B. Promoting human rights: The Philippine government must promote human
rights education and awareness. This will help to create a culture in which human
rights are valued and respected.
 C. Addressing the root causes of violence: The Philippine government must
address the root causes of violence, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access
to education and employment.
D. Building trust in institutions: The Philippine government must work to rebuild
trust in institutions, such as the police and the justice system. This will require
transparency, accountability, and a commitment to the rule of law
II. Personal Perspective
The extrajudicial killings that occurred in the Philippines during President
Duterte's term were unnecessarily exaggerated. Even though its main goal is to lessen
the illegal drug users and drug lords, there were numerous reports that there were
innocent people involved in the so called “war on drugs”. With that, I can say that
EJK during the term of President Rodrigo Duterte is not just because there were
violations of human rights and dangers to human life. Also, instead of giving a
protection to the Filipinos against illegal drug users, EJK created chaos and gave a
fearful everyday living to the whole country.. The atmosphere of fear and uncertainty
created by EJK has had a profound impact on the country's social fabric.
Communities experienced heightened anxiety, with mistrust growing between
citizens and law enforcement. Moreover, the fear of being wrongfully targeted
intensified, leading to a chilling effect on freedom of expression. People were scared
of being wrongly targeted, and it made them hesitant to speak up or disagree. Even
though the government said it was for the country's safety, there's still a big argument
about how much it hurt people's rights and the fair way of doing things. As the
Philippines deals with the aftermath, the discussion about finding a balance between
safety and rights keeps going on.
III. Conclusion

CONCLUSION

Reiterate the significance of examining EJKs through the lens of ethics

Emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing EJKs that prioritizes human
rights, accountability, and the rule of law

REFERENCE (dagdag nalang kayu)

Amnesty International. (2022, April 25). Five Things to Know About Martial Law in the
Philippines.

Cruz, N. H. (2014, November 24). PH Has Slowest Justice System in the World. Inquirer.net.

De Guzman, C. (2022, June 15). One Surprising Theory Why the Philippines Has Very Few
Mass Shootings—Despite Easy Access to Lots of Guns.

Human Rights Measurement Initiative. (2019, February 11). Extrajudicial Killings in the
Philippines.

Kine, P. (2016, November 8). Why the Late Philippine Dictator Was No Hero: Honoring
Ferdinand Marcos a Gross Insult to His Victims. Human Rights Watch.

Kishi, R., Pavlik, M., La Vina, R., & Constantino, M. (2018, October 18). Duterte's War: Drug-
Related Violence in the Philippines. ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project).

Reuters. (2017, October 2). Most Filipinos Believe Drug War Kills Poor People Only, Survey
Shows.

Xu, M. (2016, December 16). Human Rights and Duterte’s War on Drugs.