International Mechanism Submissions

A central electoral promise of President Rodrigo Duterte was to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines. State actors, in the name of this campaign against illegal drugs, have engaged in widespread extrajudicial killings and illegal detentions. State actors are not held responsible for these human rights violations and victims lack access to justice. The Philippines has also withdrawn from the Rome Statute, which may further indicate issues associated with State impunity.

Following his 2016 presidential win, Duterte implemented Oplan Tokhang, which allowed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to round up possible suspects for possession of illegal drugs. An estimated 12,000-30,000 civilian lives have been claimed by the campaign against illegal drugs. Police operations, made legitimate under Oplan Tokhang, frequently violate citizens' constitutionally guaranteed rights. Police actions disproportionately affect the poor and working class, particularly in Metro Manila.^[iiDetainees often lack due process and State parties act with impunity.