Charges ‘unlikely’ for drug war
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte often incited violence and ordered police to shoot dead suspects in a drug war that has killed thousands. But analysts say he is unlikely to face charges after he steps down tomorrow.
Mr Duterte’s signature policy to rid the country of drugs has been widely condemned and sparked an international probe into a possible crime against humanity.
But the 77-year-old is still hugely popular among many in the Philippines who support his quick-fix solutions to crime, and he remains a potent political force.
Last month’s election results reinforced Mr Duterte’s bulwark against potential prosecution after he leaves office, analysts said.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr, son of the country’s late dictator, won the presidency after striking a powerful alliance with Mr Duterte’s daughter, Sara, who was elected vice president.
Mr Marcos Jr has backed Mr Duterte’s drug war and signalled his government will not cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into the killings.
“The election basically decided that there would not be a serious investigation into President Rodrigo Duterte’s role in the drug war for the next six years,” said Greg Wyatt, director for business intelligence at PSA Philippines Consultancy.
A self-professed killer, Mr Duterte told officers to fatally shoot narcotics suspects if their lives were at risk.
He defended the crackdown, saying it had saved families and prevented the Philippines from turning into a “narcopolitics state”.
Government data show more than 6,200 people have died in police antidrug operations since Mr Duterte was swept to power in 2016.
Rights groups say Mr Duterte created a climate of impunity and estimate that tens of thousands have been killed by police, hitmen and vigilantes, even without proof they were involved in drugs.
Only three policemen have been convicted so far for slaying a drug suspect.