Timeline of the Philippine Drug War under President Rodrigo

Duterte, who served from June 30, 2016, to June 30, 2022. The drug war
was a significant focus of Duterte's presidency, marked by controversial
anti-drug operations and a heavy toll on human rights.

Date Event/Occurrence Details

Rodrigo Duterte takes office and formally

Duterte’s
June 30, begins his war on drugs, with a pledge to
Inauguration as
2016 eradicate drug-related crimes and violence
President
within six months.

The Philippine National Police (PNP)

launches "Oplan Tokhang" (meaning
July 1, Launch of “Oplan
"knock and plead"), a campaign where
2016 Tokhang”
police visit homes of drug suspects and
encourage them to surrender.

Early reports surface about the

extrajudicial killings of drug suspects.
July First Drug-related
Human rights groups criticize the
2016 Killings
operations as violating due process and
leading to deaths without trial.

Duterte publicly states that he has no

qualms about extrajudicial killings in the
August Duterte’s “Kill drug war, encouraging citizens and police
2016 them all” Remarks to eliminate drug dealers. He also warns
drug suspects that they may be killed
during operations.

Duterte dismisses human rights concerns,

stating that he would not be deterred by
October Duterte’s Remarks
international criticism and claiming the
2016 on Human Rights
drug war is necessary to save the country
from drugs.

The United Nations (UN) and other

international bodies begin condemning
Novembe International
Duterte’s drug war for violating human
r 2016 Criticism Begins
rights, with allegations of widespread
extrajudicial killings and abuse of power.
Date Event/Occurrence Details

The Philippine Senate holds hearings to

Senate investigate the alleged extrajudicial
January
Investigation on killings and the role of the police in the
2017
Drug War Killings drug war. Human rights advocates and
witnesses testify about abuses.

Duterte temporarily halts PNP involvement

Duterte Orders in the drug war due to controversies, such
March PNP to Suspend as the killing of a teenager during an
2017 Anti-Drug operation. The operations are handed over
Operations to the Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency (PDEA).

The PNP resumes its involvement in the

Return of the PNP drug war after a few months of suspension,
July
to Drug War and Duterte stresses the importance of
2017
Operations continuing the operations to eliminate
drugs.

17-year-old Kian delos Santos is killed in

an anti-drug operation by PNP officers in
August Kian delos Santos
Caloocan. The killing sparks outrage and
2017 Killing
protests, with accusations of police abuse
and extrajudicial killings.

The United Nations calls for a review of the

human rights situation in the Philippines,
October UN Human Rights
urging the government to investigate the
2017 Council Resolution
alleged extrajudicial killings in the context
of the drug war.

The International Criminal Court (ICC)

ICC Prosecutor announces it will begin a preliminary
February
Opens Preliminary examination of the drug war under
2018
Examination Duterte, exploring allegations of crimes
against humanity.

March Duterte Withdraws Duterte announces that the Philippines will

2018 from the ICC withdraw from the International Criminal
Court, citing what he considers
Date Event/Occurrence Details

"interference" in the country’s sovereignty

over its internal matters, particularly the
drug war.

Reports indicate that over 20,000 people

may have been killed since the drug war
July Thousands Killed began, though many of the deaths remain
2018 in Drug War unverified and are labeled as either
“suspected drug dealers” or as collateral
damage in police operations.

The PNP introduces "Oplan Double Barrel

Reloaded," an intensified anti-drug
Septemb Oplan Double campaign, aiming to continue drug busts,
er 2018 Barrel Reloaded eliminate dealers, and arrest suspects
while also promoting rehabilitation
programs for users.

Duterte broadens the war against what he

calls "narco-terrorists" and extends his
Duterte Declares
January campaign to include communist
War on Communist
2019 insurgents, linking them to the drug trade.
Rebels
This marks an expansion of the drug war's
scope.

As of this period, estimates suggest that

the number of deaths related to the drug
October Ongoing High
war has reached over 6,000, with human
2019 Death Toll
rights groups continuing to criticize the
tactics used by police and military forces.

The pandemic affects the drug war's

COVID-19 operations, but Duterte remains steadfast
2020- Pandemic and in his commitment, using the pandemic as
2021 Impact on Drug justification to continue the war, even as
War the country deals with the public health
crisis.

July Drug War Reforms Duterte’s government announces reforms

2021 and Continued to the drug war, including focusing more
Date Event/Occurrence Details

on rehabilitation for drug users. However,

Operations reports continue of extrajudicial killings
and police abuses.

Duterte’s term ends, and while the drug

war's legacy remains controversial,
June End of Duterte’s incoming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is
2022 Term expected to continue some of Duterte’s
policies, though without clear signals on
the future of the war on drugs.

Summary:

The Philippine drug war, under Duterte, was marked by widespread

extrajudicial killings, high civilian casualties, international criticism,
and controversial anti-drug operations. Although there were occasional
temporary halts or policy adjustments, the core strategy of aggressively
targeting drug-related crimes remained a key feature of Duterte’s
administration. The war was framed as necessary to curb the nation's drug
trade but faced severe opposition from human rights groups,
international bodies, and segments of the Philippine public.

The Philippine Drug War under President Rodrigo Duterte was shaped
and enabled by various official documents and government policies.
These policies and directives provided legal and institutional support for the
aggressive anti-drug operations, which at times exacerbated human rights
violations and violence. Below is a table outlining the key official
documents and policies that directed, exacerbated, or abetted the drug
war:

Document/Policy Description Role in the Drug War

Republic Act No. This law establishes the Though enacted before
9165 – legal framework for the Duterte’s presidency, this
Comprehensive control of illegal drugs in law empowered law
Dangerous Drugs the Philippines. It outlines enforcement agencies
Act of 2002 penalties for drug-related like the PDEA and PNP to
offenses and establishes conduct anti-drug
various government operations, including
agencies, such as the raids and arrests. It
Philippine Drug provided a foundation for
Document/Policy Description Role in the Drug War

Enforcement Agency
the war on drugs.
(PDEA).

The creation of ICAD

Signed by Duterte, this
Executive Order centralized anti-drug
order formed the ICAD, a
No. 15 (2016) – operations, allowing for
body responsible for
Establishing the coordinated action
coordinating all
Inter-Agency between multiple
government efforts in the
Committee on Anti- government bodies and
fight against illegal drugs.
Illegal Drugs reinforcing Duterte’s
It included the PNP, PDEA,
(ICAD) drug war as a national
and other agencies.
priority.

This campaign became

"Oplan Tokhang" is a one of the main
national campaign initiated strategies of the drug
by the PNP, involving war, leading to
Oplan Tokhang
house-to-house visits to widespread criticism due
(2016)
drug suspects to encourage to its association with
them to surrender or face extrajudicial killings and
arrest. allegations of human
rights abuses.

A more intensified version

of Oplan Tokhang, this This policy exacerbated
directive called for both the war on drugs by
"surrender" and expanding operations,
Oplan Double "neutralization" of drug resulting in a higher
Barrel (2016) suspects. The operations number of drug-related
were conducted killings, particularly
aggressively, targeting targeting small-time drug
high-profile dealers and offenders.
street-level users.

Republic Act No. This law formally While it authorized the

10575 – The established the Philippine PDEA to combat drugs,
Philippine Drug Drug Enforcement Agency the law’s application in
Enforcement (PDEA) and authorized it to the Duterte
Agency Act (2002) coordinate and implement administration was
anti-drug efforts across the criticized for fostering
Document/Policy Description Role in the Drug War

law enforcement
agencies’ excessive
nation.
power, leading to human
rights abuses.

The memorandum guided

This directive issued by the police forces to conduct
Philippine National Police drug operations with
PNP Memorandum (PNP) emphasized the little oversight or
Circular No. 2016- implementation of anti- accountability, increasing
002 (2016) illegal drug operations, the risks of extrajudicial
including the adoption of killings and abuse of
Oplan Tokhang. power by law
enforcement.

While not directly related

Critics argue that this
to drugs, this law allowed
law could have been
authorities to classify
misused to target
Republic Act No. "terrorist" individuals and
individuals linked to the
10973 – Anti- groups involved in illegal
drug trade, expanding
Terrorism Act of drugs. It gave law
the scope of the drug war
2020 enforcement agencies
and empowering the
sweeping powers to deal
government to suppress
with those deemed
political dissent.
"terrorists."

Issued by Duterte, this This order militarized the

order authorized the drug war, escalating the
deployment of additional already harsh anti-drug
Memorandum
military and police measures and deepening
Order No. 32
personnel to certain human rights concerns
(2018)
regions in the Philippines due to increased military
affected by drug-related involvement in domestic
violence and insurgency. policing.

Executive Order Duterte signed this order While advocating for

No. 62 (2018) which strengthened the rehabilitation, this order
government’s anti-drug reinforced Duterte’s
policies and committed stance on continuing the
more resources toward violent approach toward
Document/Policy Description Role in the Drug War

rehabilitation for drug

drug dealers, aligning the
addicts. However, it also
administration with
reiterated the continuation
punitive rather than
of the aggressive anti-drug
reformative strategies.
campaigns.

The PNP's operational

These guidelines set the guidelines empowered
Philippine National framework for how police police to conduct
Police (PNP) should conduct anti-drug aggressive and often
Operations operations, including lethal drug operations,
Guidelines (2017) protocols for dealing with contributing to the rise in
suspected drug offenders. killings during the war on
drugs.

Implications of These Documents/Policies:

1. Legal Framework for Aggressive Enforcement: Laws like

Republic Act No. 9165 and Oplan Tokhang gave the police
significant authority and legal cover to carry out anti-drug operations,
including the controversial house-to-house visits and arrests,
contributing to widespread extrajudicial killings.

2. Militarization of the Anti-Drug Campaign: Policies such as

Memorandum Order No. 32 and the Anti-Terrorism Act
encouraged the deployment of military forces in drug operations,
which led to abuses associated with the use of force and a lack of
accountability in civilian areas.

3. Lack of Accountability and Oversight: The lack of clear rules for

holding law enforcement accountable for abuses in drug operations
allowed extrajudicial killings to proliferate. Policies like PNP
Memorandum Circular No. 2016-002 and the implementation of
Oplan Double Barrel led to operations that resulted in high death
tolls, which many human rights organizations labeled as abuses of
power.

4. Human Rights Violations: Despite the legal foundation for drug

operations, policies like Oplan Tokhang and Oplan Double Barrel
were criticized for enabling extrajudicial killings, with reports
 suggesting that many deaths were not from legitimate self-defense
but as a result of unaccountable killings by police.

5. Focus on Punishment Over Rehabilitation: While some policies

mentioned rehabilitation efforts (e.g., Executive Order No. 62), the
overwhelming focus of the war on drugs remained on punitive
measures, which critics argued were ineffective in addressing the root
causes of drug addiction and trafficking.

Conclusion:

The Philippine Drug War was significantly shaped and perpetuated by a

combination of government directives and official policies that provided
legal and institutional support for aggressive law enforcement actions.
While some policies, such as the focus on rehabilitation, aimed to provide
solutions for drug addiction, the majority of the policies were geared toward
increasing the reach and power of the police and military in combatting the
drug trade through violent and often unlawful means. This approach
exacerbated human rights violations and left the country open to
international condemnation for violations of due process and the right to
life.

Democratic Iterations

During the Philippine Drug War under President Rodrigo Duterte, there
were instances that can be considered democratic iterations — processes
where democratic values, practices, or policies evolved or were revisited
due to public discourse, legal reforms, or societal pressures. While the drug
war itself was often criticized for its authoritarian tendencies and
human rights violations, some events and actions demonstrated the
ongoing evolution of democratic practices or reactions to it.

Here are examples of democratic iterations in the context of the

Philippine Drug War:

Event/Situation Explanation Nature as an Iteration

Senate After widespread accusations of This can be seen as an

Investigations extrajudicial killings during the iteration because it
on drug war, the Philippine Senate involved democratic
Extrajudicial conducted hearings to oversight by elected
Event/Situation Explanation Nature as an Iteration

representatives, reflecting
investigate the human rights
an attempt to refine and
violations. This led to public
adjust the conduct of law
Killings (2016) debates on the balance
enforcement through
between security and human
public inquiry and
rights.
dialogue.

The International Criminal

Court (ICC) began a The engagement with
preliminary investigation into international institutions
International the drug war, which prompted like the ICC reflects an
Criticism and significant debate within the iteration in democratic
Withdrawal Philippines. Duterte’s processes, as global
from the ICC government ultimately standards of justice
(2018) withdrew from the ICC, but the and accountability
event sparked conversations influence domestic
about accountability and the discussions and policies.
rule of law in the country.

The revision of the

Tokhang strategy is a
Following controversy over the
democratic iteration, as it
killing of a teenager (Kian delos
The "Tokhang" involved the
Santos), Duterte and the police
Campaign reassessment of public
revised certain elements of
Revisions concerns (e.g.,
Oplan Tokhang to introduce
(2017) extrajudicial killings) and
more safeguards and reduce
led to policy changes to
the risk of police abuse.
improve accountability in
the drug war.

Rehabilitation Amid growing criticism of the This represents an

and Alternative violent approach, there were iteration in how the
Approaches efforts to emphasize government adapted its
(2017-2021) rehabilitation for drug users. policy in response to
In addition to continuing the criticism of solely punitive
punitive measures, the measures and explored
government attempted to invest rehabilitative solutions
more in rehabilitation programs as a way to balance the
and community-based drug war's impact on
Event/Situation Explanation Nature as an Iteration

initiatives. society.

Various human rights groups, Public activism and civil

NGOs, and civil society society engagement
organizations actively represent a democratic
campaigned against the abuses iteration, as these
Public Outcry
in the drug war, culminating in protests and efforts for
and Activism
protests, petitions, and legal legal accountability led
(2016 - 2022)
action. This collective to pressure on the
pushback from citizens led to government to reconsider
calls for a reevaluation of the certain aspects of the war
anti-drug campaign. on drugs.

Nature and Implications of These Democratic Iterations:

 Institutional Checks and Balances: Senate investigations and

public oversight efforts (such as the Kian delos Santos case)
demonstrate that even in an administration where power was
centralized, democratic mechanisms such as congressional
hearings and public debates still allowed for some level of review,
debate, and accountability.

 International Influence: The ICC investigation represents an

instance of democratic iteration where international norms and
standards for human rights created a discourse that influenced
domestic policies. While the Philippines ultimately withdrew from
the ICC, the international pressure played a significant role in shaping
the national dialogue on the drug war.

 Policy Adjustments: The revision of Oplan Tokhang and the shift

towards rehabilitation programs showed how public concerns and
criticisms can push for modifications in government policies, a key
element of democratic iteration. These adjustments, while not always
adequate, reflect the tension between security measures and
human rights considerations in a democratic society.

 Public Engagement and Activism: The widespread public outcry

and activism against the drug war provided a critical platform for
democratic participation. Citizens, through protests, advocacy, and
legal action, exercised their right to challenge government
 actions, forcing a reconsideration of certain aspects of the war on
drugs.

Conclusion:

Although the Philippine Drug War, particularly under Duterte, was often
seen as a move away from democratic norms, these examples demonstrate
democratic iterations where the public and institutions engaged in
ongoing dialogue, investigation, and policy change. These actions
showed how democratic processes can adapt in response to abuses of
power, with institutions and citizens working to refine or challenge
government actions and ensure better accountability.

If we apply Benhabib's concept of democratic iteration to the

Philippine Drug War under Duterte, it would provide a lens through
which to view the tensions between authoritarian governance and
democratic processes. Below is a detailed breakdown of how Benhabib
might analyze the drug war using this concept:

Key Elements of Democratic Iteration in Benhabib’s Framework:

1. Public Deliberation and Inclusivity: Democratic iteration,

according to Benhabib, involves public debate where diverse
perspectives are heard and considered in the decision-making
process. It's an evolving practice that requires legitimacy through
dialogue.

2. Constitutional Democracy and Accountability: Benhabib

emphasizes the importance of maintaining democratic norms,
especially the rule of law and accountability in all state actions.
Iteration in this context means revisiting and reinterpreting
democratic values to ensure that they reflect contemporary
challenges and societal needs.

3. Normative Foundations and Ethical Engagement: Benhabib

advocates for the rethinking and reworking of democratic norms
based on reasoned engagement rather than just legal or procedural
solutions. It is a process of ensuring that decisions reflect a
universalistic concern for human dignity and justice.

Applying Benhabib's Concept to the Philippine Drug War:

 Benhabib’s Democratic Iteration in Context of the
Aspect
Drug War

Benhabib would argue that the drug war’s aggressive

and authoritarian tactics under Duterte represented a
failure of democratic deliberation. There was
Public insufficient public debate or inclusion of diverse
Deliberation voices. Critics, including human rights groups, the church,
and and civil society, were largely excluded from the decision-
Inclusivity making process, leading to one-sided policies. For
democratic iteration to work, all segments of society should
have been engaged in inclusive dialogue to determine a
policy that balances security and human rights.

According to Benhabib, human dignity is central to

democratic governance. The extrajudicial killings and
police violence in the drug war could be seen as violating
Human Rights basic democratic principles that should guarantee due
and process and accountability. Benhabib would likely view
Accountability this as a reversal of democratic values, calling for a
reiteration of these norms in public discourse, including
an open conversation about the right to life and the
state's duty to protect citizens through lawful means.

Benhabib might critique Duterte’s drug war for

undermining the rule of law and constitutional
democracy. Democratic iteration involves
reinterpreting democratic norms in a way that protects
Constitutional
citizens from state violence. In this case, Benhabib would
Principles and
suggest that there should have been an internal reform in
Reform
the law enforcement practices, ensuring greater
oversight and accountability. For example, the war on
drugs could have been structured within a framework that
emphasized rehabilitation over punitive measures.

Normative Benhabib's vision of democratic iteration requires

Reworking of rethinking and reworking policies through continuous
Policies dialogue and reflection. The Philippine drug war could have
benefited from a reconsideration of justice, where the
emphasis was placed more on rehabilitation rather than a
zero-tolerance approach. Benhabib would likely advocate
 Benhabib’s Democratic Iteration in Context of the
Aspect
Drug War

for a reconfiguration of public health strategies, where

drug addiction is treated as a public health issue rather
than as a criminal issue, through public deliberation
and policy evolution.

Benhabib supports democratic iteration through

engagement with international norms and
international public reasoning. The ICC investigation
into Duterte’s drug war reflects a democratic iteration
process that involves external accountability and global
International standards of justice. Benhabib would argue that the
Influence and Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC was an attempt to
Standards reject democratic accountability and exclude
international perspectives from influencing domestic
policy. For democratic iteration to work, the country would
need to engage constructively with international
institutions to ensure that its policies align with global
human rights standards.

The activism of civil society in the Philippines against

Duterte's drug war would resonate with Benhabib’s view of
democratic iteration. Protests, legal challenges, and
Civil Society public outcry represent a form of ongoing public
and Public deliberation, where citizens demand that the government
Protest rethink its approach to drugs. Benhabib would view this as
a necessary and positive part of democratic evolution —
citizens engaging in direct action to reshape public policy
through reasoned arguments and calls for accountability.

Conclusion: How Benhabib Might Critique Duterte’s Drug War:

Benhabib would likely view the Philippine Drug War under Duterte as a
failed iteration of democracy, where democratic principles were
disregarded in favor of authoritarian security policies. From Benhabib's
perspective, a truly democratic drug policy would require ongoing public
deliberation, inclusivity, and accountability in decision-making,
ensuring that policies reflect the human dignity and rights of all citizens.
 1. Lack of Inclusive Dialogue: Duterte’s administration marginalized
public input on the drug war, especially from critical voices, creating
a top-down, authoritarian approach instead of a democratic
iteration driven by dialogue and consensus-building.

2. Human Rights Violations: The drug war’s excessive use of violence,

including extrajudicial killings, would be considered a violation of
democratic norms under Benhabib’s view, necessitating a
reiteration of constitutional rights and accountability
mechanisms.

3. Missed Opportunities for Policy Reworking: Rather than iterating

on the policy to include more rehabilitative and public health-
driven solutions, the government doubled down on punitive
measures that failed to align with democratic ideals of justice and
social inclusion.

4. International and Domestic Accountability: Benhabib would see

the withdrawal from the ICC as a step backward in terms of global
democratic accountability, and would argue that for the drug war
to align with democratic principles, the government needed to engage
with international human rights standards and consider civil
society's protests as legitimate democratic feedback.

In summary, Benhabib would view the Philippine drug war under Duterte as
an example of democratic failure where democratic iteration was ignored
in favor of an authoritarian approach. A true democratic iteration would
have involved ongoing reflection, dialogue, accountability, and human
rights protections to ensure that the policies served the common good
without violating fundamental democratic principles.