Manila Residents Speak Out Regarding President Duterte’s Drug War In The Philippines
Residents on the streets of Manila give their thoughts on President Duterte’s drug war in the Philippines amid Extrajudicial Killings (EJK).
On Friday (December 30, 2016), President Rodrigo Duterte will complete his six months on the presidency since he took the country’s highest position last June 30, 2016. But there’s still no signs of ceasing the number of lives taken in his war on drugs campaign.
Some survey result of authorities shown that there are already more than 6, 000 lives were taken on his anti-illegal drug campaign since Duterte took the presidency. Most of the victims were slain during anti-narcotics operations conduct by authorities. But many people believed that some of the people who have been killed are a victim of vigilante killings.
Previously, Duterte said during the campaign period that the drug problems in the country would be over within six months, but last month he said that he will pursue his anti-illegal drug campaign until the last pusher will be dead.
President Duterte’s war on drugs amid EJK in the Philippines have been criticized earlier by US President Barack Obama, United Nations, and several human rights groups. Despite the issues and controversies faced by the president but still he remains “very good” with +63 on the recent survey conducted by the Philippine Social Weather Station (SWS).
Some Manila residents give their thoughts the president’s war on drugs.
Ronaldo David, 49-year-old, a police officer said that he is now focusing on educating people and preventing the use of the illegal drug because the case filed in his office has already decreased.
Cristine Angelie Garcia, 24-year-old, call center agent explained that she’s on Duterte’s side because she can walk safely at night but maybe here’s another way to address drug related problems without taking people’s lives.
Felicidad Magdayao, 59-year-old, fast-food restaurant owner feels safer for the decreasing numbers of drug addicts and drug pushers because their business suffered when people were afraid to go out and eat at their restaurant.
Sandro Gabriel Jr, 34-year-old, grave-digger at Pasay Public Cemetery said that recently there are more than 40 people have been buried in the cemetery.
They are only some of the Filipinos who speak out regarding Duterte’s war on drugs amid increasing death toll.