Duterte's Alleged Death Squads Under Scrutiny

Feb 23, 2026

69 min

Feb 23, 2026 23:30

Duterte’s secret killers exposed: How Death squads terrorised Philippines for decades – can justice finally win?

## Background

Rodrigo Duterte, former president of the Philippines, is under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign. This inquiry focuses on whether the killings during his presidency were systematic and state-sanctioned.

## Davao Death Squad Origins

The Davao Death Squad (DDS) emerged in the 1990s in Davao City, where Duterte served as mayor. This group allegedly targeted drug pushers and petty criminals without due process, operating outside formal law enforcement.

## National Expansion

Upon becoming president in 2016, Duterte expanded this approach nationwide, resulting in thousands of deaths. Human rights organizations estimate between 6,000 to 30,000 people were killed, many in impoverished areas.

## Investigations

Both domestic and international bodies have scrutinized these killings. The ICC is conducting pre-trial hearings, while the Philippine Senate has held inquiries into extrajudicial killings linked to both the DDS and the national drug war.

## Key Witnesses

Arturo Lascanas and Edgar Matobato, former DDS operatives, have provided testimonies implicating Duterte in ordering killings. Lascanas claimed direct orders from Duterte, while Matobato described his involvement in the squad's activities.

## Implications

The culture of impunity and extrajudicial actions has weakened trust in legal institutions in the Philippines. Advocates argue for accountability and a shift towards public health approaches to address drug issues, aiming to restore trust and respect for human rights.

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