EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS IN THE

PHILIPPINES: A CASE STUDY ON ITS

ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS

by

Baxter Bao-As
Benjie Amil
Eliza Mae Fausto
Gyldran Carluiz Dulawan
Mckenzie Pauline Escabarte

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Christian Studies 3

October 27, 2024

I. Introduction

The Philippine administration led by former President Rodrigo Duterte was overflowing

with controversies and criticisms for its war on drugs campaign, among many others. A few

years into his presidency, the Philippines has become a bloodbath where authorities and

unknown gunmen kill without consequences, perpetuated by a campaign that is supposed to

dignify the Duterte administration. (Amnesty International, 2020). “It is my job to scare

people, to intimidate people, and to kill people,” said Duterte in response to criticisms against

his administration’s heavily criticized war on drugs campaign. (Tomacruz, 2020). The exact

number of civilian fatalities that started in 2016 when Duterte assumed his presidency until the

end of his term in 2022 remains to be disputed. Regardless, the data is clear: thousands of

Filipinos were killed during his term. (Kishi & Buenaventura, 2021).

Extrajudicial killing is a violation of the most fundamental right to life of an individual.

The majority of the victims of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs campaign came from

the poor and marginalized communities of the country, with the killings covered by falsified

reports. (Amnesty International, 2020). It was the impoverished Filipinos that suffered most.

This implies that those in power target the weak and vulnerable to forward their corrupt

agendas. The government is mandated to safeguard the rights and liberties of its people. The

Duterte administration has done the complete opposite, instead instigating fear in the Filipinos.

Killing is inherently wrong and unjustifiable as it disrespects the sanctity of life. The

Bible, our moral compass, heavily emphasizes respecting life: Thou shalt not kill. There is

never a moral justification for taking away the life of another, especially when it is the

powerful that preys on the powerless.

II. Definition of Important Terms

1. Extrajudicial - done without the permission of or without using the official legal

system (Cambridge Dictionary)

2. Rodrigo Duterte - Filipino politician who was president of the Philippines from 2016 -

2022

3. Due process - a citizen’s fair treatment within the rules of a government’s legal system

(Cambridge Dictionary)

4. Justice - fairness in the way people are dealt with (Cambridge Dictionary)

5. War on drugs - an anti-drug campaign through which the governments strengthen

enforcement, increase penalties or use violence towards it population to eradicate

illegal drugs (Sugaya, 2022)

6. Reward system - refers to all monetary, non-monetary, and psychological payments

that an organization provides for its employees in exchange for the work they perform
II. Facts Surrounding the Issue

Extrajudicial Killings Death Toll Statistics During Duterte's Administration

The Philippines' "War on Drugs" campaign, under President Rodrigo Duterte’s

administration upon taking office on June 30, 2016, has resulted in a significant loss of lives,

with over 12,000 Filipinos, mainly from urban poor communities. ( Human Rights Watch,

2019). Human Rights Watch suggests that law enforcement agencies are manipulating evidence

to justify these extrajudicial killings.The anti-drug initiative expanded beyond Metro Manila in

2018 to Central Luzon, reaching provinces such as Laguna, Cavite, and cities like Cebu and

General Santos. It is a shift that coincided with the reassignment of senior police officials. The

focus of violence has moved from Bulacan province to Nueva Ecija province in 2018 , which

emerged as the new epicenter of the drug war. This shift occurred alongside the continued

support and rewards provided to police in Central Luzon by the Duterte

administration.(Talabong, R.2019).

According to the official data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA),

4,948 suspected drug users and dealers were killed during police operations between July 1,

2016, and September 30, 2018. (Human Rights Watch, 2019). However, this figure does not

account for the numerous deaths attributed to unidentified vigilantes. The Philippine National

Police (PNP) reported that 22,983 deaths since the campaign's inception are classified as

"homicides under investigation" But human rights groups believed the number could be as high

as 30,000. The administration has provided inconsistent statistics and ceased releasing figures

for certain categories of deaths altogether. Evidence suggests that masked gunmen involved in

these killings are suspected as in close coordination with law enforcement, leading doubt on
government claims that vigilantes or rival drug gangs are responsible for the majority of these

deaths. Despite the alarming number of deaths and human rights concerns, investigations into

these killings have been largely absent, with only a few high-profile cases receiving attention.

THE DAVAO MODEL

The "Davao model" is a representation of the strict anti-illegal drug campaign that was

in place in Davao City while Rodrigo Duterte was mayor. In addition to providing funding for

planned operations and payment for operating costs, this strategy purportedly included a

reward system for law enforcement personnel who successfully neutralized suspected drug

offenders (Lalu, 2024). According to Royina Garma, former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes

Office general manager, in the Davao Model, rewards or payments are made at three different

levels. If the culprit is slain, the reward comes first. The second is COPLANS, or planned

operations funding. Refunding operational costs comes in third (GMA Integrated News, 2024).

However, some, like the Davao City Police Office, have refuted claims that such a system

existed, while others, including former officials, have made such claims.

This particular “reward system” resurfaced the Philippine society recently, following

the probations conducted by the International Criminal Court to Duterte and other officials

under his tenure with regards to the war on drugs since Duterte’s assumption of office, until

March 16, 2019 (Damicog, 2024). Of course, scholars contend that President Duterte's

administration's nationwide adoption of the Davao model made already-existing problems with

police corruption and abuse worse. The concept has been criticized for compromising human

rights and the rule of law by prioritizing punitive measures above rehabilitation and due

process (Mogato, et al., 2016).

LA PIETA (MICHAEL SIARON CASE)

A. Case Description

Michael Siaron, a 30-year-old pedicab driver, was fatally shot on July 23, 2016, in

Pasay City, Philippines. At approximately 12:45 a.m. on, Siaron was walking along EDSA near

the Rotonda in Pasay City when he was tragically shot by two unidentified men riding tandem

on a motorcycle. According to police reports, Siaron, who was allegedly involved in drug

activities, sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The assailants, both wearing full-face helmets,

quickly fled the scene, speeding away towards EDSA after the shooting (Philstar, 2017).

The government, specifically, the Philippine National Police, indicated that Siaron was

killed by a rival drug syndicate, after rigorous investigations. Former presidential spokesperson

Ernesto Abella indicated that the Siaron case confirms what the administration has stated since

the beginning of the anti-drug campaign: many of these homicides were carried out by people

involved in drug operations, with drug traffickers and pushers eliminating one another (Rappler

2017).

However, despite these statements from the government, the citizens and the

international community remain skeptical. Raffy Lerma, the journalist who was able to capture

the infamous picture, recounted the feeling of guilt, after witnessing the scene first hand

(Lerma, 2016). According to Lerma, the sense of helplessness was bellowing, but it was the

duty and responsibility of photographers to display these types of images. It was their moral

imperative to present reality as it is in order to elicit a response and, possibly, action.

 B. Reactions to the Incident

Former president, Rodrigo Duterte, showed no sensibility to the victim, indicating that

the victim was at fault for bringing himself to his demise. “For those of you who haven't been

ensnared by drugs, if you don't want to die, if you don't want to get hurt, don't rely on priests or

human rights—they can't prevent death. So don't do it.” Duterte indicated (Rappler, 2017).

Unsurprisingly, this further enraged the people and the international community.

The Michael Siaron case received widespread attention and criticism. The New York

Times and other media sources worldwide covered the story and viral photo, raising worries

about human rights violations in the Philippine government's drug war. Human rights

organizations and other governments raised alarm over the extrajudicial executions and

demanded accountability and respect for human rights in the Philippines.

The cruelty of Duterte's drug campaign is evident, according to Jenny Brömel (2022).

Victims are often found in back alleys or street corners, wrapped in packing tape, with bullet or

stab wounds, and other evidence of torture. Brömel indicated that the image (referring to

Siaron’s La Pieta) was a symbol of the misery of the Philippines' predominantly poor

population under President Rodrigo Duterte's brutal policies. Furthermore, Tracey Llanera

(2016) commented that Duterte's drug war stems from poverty and socioeconomic inequity.

The question is not simply whether a drug pusher's rights are more important than the welfare

of the general public. Rather, the true war is that living in the Philippines is so unjust, and the

government is so inadequate at caring for the disadvantaged, that the social environment

fosters the spread of corruption, drug addiction, and crime.

C. Related cases of EJK

Arnaiz-De Guzman Killings

On August 18, 2017, 19-year-old Carl Angelo Arnaiz was reported missing after leaving his

home in Cainta, Rizal. His body was later discovered in a police morgue, bearing signs of

torture and multiple gunshot wounds. According to police reports, Arnaiz was involved in a

robbery and was involved in a shootout with arresting officers. (Inquirer, 2023). Following

Arnaiz's murder, with the discovery of Reynaldo de Guzman, a 14-year-old boy who was last

seen with Arnaiz. De Guzman's body was found dead over 100 kilometers away, in a creek in

Barangay San Roque, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, weeks after Arnaiz’s death, showing signs of

extreme violence, including multiple stab wounds. The police initially dismissed the

connection between the two cases, but public outrage and media scrutiny forced authorities to

investigate further (Rappler, 2023).

The court ruled that Perez “intentionally killed” the two teenagers based on medical findings

that showed Arnaiz had five bullet wounds while De Guzman was stabbed 28 times

This is the second conviction among the high-profile murder cases linked to the drug war of

then-president Rodrigo Duterte, under scrutiny by the International Criminal Court. In March

2023, the Navotas court found Police Officer 1 Jeffrey Perez guilty of the murder of Arnaiz

and de Guzman hereby sentenced to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua, without eligibility

for parole,” ruled the Navotas City Regional Trial Court Branch 287. (BenarNews, 2023).

The Murder of Kian Delos Santos

The case of Kian Loyd Delos Santos, a 17-year-old boy who was killed during a police

operation in the Philippines, is a crucial key example of the serious issues surrounding

extrajudicial killings during President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial war on drugs. Kian's
death not only highlighted the risk of innocent lives being lost in law enforcement actions but

also sparked widespread public outrage and demands for accountability. On August 16, 2017,

Kian was involved in a police operation conducted by the Caloocan Police. According to the

police's initial report, they claimed that Kian fired shots first, which led them to shoot back

(Rambo, 2017). Witnesses contradicted stating that Kian was on the ground begging for his life

before he was shot multiple times. Tests showed that Kian had no gunpowder residue, raising

doubts on the police's account (Rappler, 2017)

Kian's death marked as one of the first killings that received widespread attention and

condemnation which resulted in the removal of the three police officers involved in the

incident, as well as the reassignment of higher-ranking police officials. (GMA News Online,

2017) The case brought to light the ethical challenges of balancing security measures with the

protection of human rights, especially in a context where extrajudicial killings. This response

indicated that the authorities recognized the seriousness of the situation and the need for

accountability within the police force. Human Rights Watch described the legal actions taken

in Kian's case as a "triumph of justice and accountability," highlighting the importance of

respecting the rights of civilians during police operations (BBC News, 2018).

Violations on International Laws and Principles

The “War on Drugs” of FPRRD, in summary, has violated fundamental international

laws and principles. This was highlighted on several occasions, such as in the 136th session of

the Human Rights Committee, wherein committee members questioned the State delegation

regarding the impunity and lack of accountability of police officers who violated human rights

standards while conducting anti-drug operations (Center of Civil and Political rights, 2022).
Accordingly, violations include Article 6 and 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights (ICCPR) with regards to inherent life of people, and the prevention of torture.

Complementarily, several articles including Article 2 and 16 of the Convention Against Torture

(CAT) were also violated. Furthermore, multiple violations of the Universal Declaration of

Human Rights (UDHR), International Human Rights Law (IHL), and Convention on the

Rights of the Child (CRC), were in plain view of these inhumane acts.

IV. Formulate Actions and Consider Alternatives

1. Implementing body cameras and public surveillance during arrests is essential for

promoting transparency and accountability in law enforcement. These tools provide

real-time footage of police interactions, serving as crucial evidence in cases of misconduct.

They can deter unlawful actions by officers and protect them from false accusations.

The high death toll from extrajudicial killings during President Duterte's "War on

Drugs" highlights the urgent need for reform. This situation raises serious human rights

concerns and questions the integrity of the police, especially as reports indicate that law

enforcement has manipulated evidence and collaborated with vigilantes, fostering a culture

of impunity.

Encouraging dash cams in police vehicles, allowing civilians to record police

encounters, and installing third-party surveillance in public areas can help maintain a

neutral perspective during tense situations. These actions can rebuild public trust in law

enforcement, particularly following revelations from whistleblowers like Edgar Matobato,

who exposed the troubling practices surrounding extrajudicial killings. By enhancing

oversight, society can work to prevent further abuses and promote a fair legal system.
2. Implement Comprehensive Drug Policy: The "War on Drugs" campaign has proven

to be ineffective and counterproductive. The government should adopt a comprehensive

drug policy that focuses on prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, rather than on violent

suppression. A comprehensive approach would involve:

● Prevention: Investing in public health programs that address the root causes of drug

use, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education and employment

opportunities.

● Treatment: Expanding access to evidence-based treatment programs for drug

addiction, including counseling, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment.

● Rehabilitation: Providing support services to help individuals who have completed

treatment reintegrate into society, including job training, housing assistance, and social

support networks.

3. To increase transparency in investigations and prosecutions of extrajudicial

killings, it is important to conduct investigations publicly and provide regular updates to

the media and community. This ensures that the process is open and accountable. Utilizing

independent prosecutors to handle these cases helps avoid conflicts of interest within law

enforcement, ensuring that investigations are impartial and fair. International or third-party

bodies can be brought in to oversee investigations. These external groups, such as human

rights organizations, can provide an unbiased review, ensuring accountability and

adherence to global standards. This approach strengthens credibility and helps ensure that

justice is served.
4. Develop Value Chains: Promote the development of value chains that connect farmers

directly to consumers or processors. This helps farmers get better prices for their crops and

reduces the role of middlemen, ensuring that they receive a fair share of the profits.

V. Biblico-Theological Basis and Ethical Stand

1. BIBLICO-THEOLOGICAL BASIS:

The Sixth Commandment

● Exodus 20:13: "You shall not murder."

● Deuteronomy 5:17: "You shall not murder."

The Old Testaments’ View on Murder

● Proverbs 6: 16-17: “There are six things that Jehovah hates;Yes, seven things

that he detests: Haughty eyes,a lying tongue,and hands that shed innocent

blood”

● Exodus 21:29: “If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring and the owner

has been warned but has not kept it penned up and it kills a man or woman, the

bull is to be stoned and its owner also is to be put to death.”

Jesus' Teachings

● Matthew 5:21-22: "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall

not murder.' But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother will be

guilty of judgment, and whoever says to his brother, 'Raca,' will be guilty of the

Sanhedrin, and whoever says, 'Fool!' will be guilty of hell fire."

 ● Luke 6:35: "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend without

expecting to be repaid. And you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to

the ungrateful and the evil."

The Apostle Paul's Teachings

● Romans 13:1-7: Paul emphasizes the importance of obeying governing

authorities, but also notes that their primary function is to punish evildoers. He

implies that the state should be the sole authority to take human life.

2. ETHICAL STAND:

Extrajudicial killings violate not only the fundamental right to life of an individual but

also the biblical commandment of not killing. These acts ignore the dignity of

individuals and undermine justice and mercy. By taking lives without due process, they

perpetuate violence and erode trust in law enforcement and the justice system.

VI. Biblico-Theological Reflection

With regard to any human action, especially in the matter of life and death, the principal

question for Christians is not whether it is legal but whether it is moral. The challenge in

extrajudicial killings lay in drawing the line between the need for security and the protection of

human rights. While pursuing security is a legal governmental objective it must be done bound

by the law and with a high regard for individual rights. While the goal of ridding the country of
drugs is important, it should never come at the expense of democratic principles and human

dignity. Extrajudicial killings have become a grave violation of human rights. A humanitarian

concern that cannot be ignored for the reason that it is unjust, unethical, and a threat that

undermines the very foundations of democracy as thought in the Exodus scripture (21:29). The

issue itself presents many ethical concerns that challenge the values of justice, mercy, and

human dignity. Every person has the right to life and due process, the same goes for how life is

sacred, created in the image of God, and is worthy of protection and respect regardless of the

circumstances. It is a powerful reminder of the sacredness of human life and the profound

consequences of actions that violate this.

Extrajudicial killings are a direct violation of the commandment “You shall not murder,” as

they include the intentional taking of a human life, as it denies people the right to defend

themselves, perpetuating cycles of violence and depriving society of opportunities for genuine

justice and rehabilitation. Paul’s teaching (Romans 13:1–7) is crucial when talking about this

social issue; instead of protecting people and maintaining order, it becomes an abuse of power

that goes against what the government is meant to do. This event can be seen as a call to hold

authorities accountable. If the state steps outside the bounds of justice, then it's not fulfilling its

purpose as an agent of good. It's a strong reminder that real justice involves fair trials and due

process, not resorting to shortcuts. Christ's teachings (Matthew 5:21-22, Luke 6:35) on

responding to crime and wrongdoing emphasize extending kindness and opportunities for

change, even to those who may not appear deserving. By loving one’s enemies, Jesus presents

a vision of justice that values transformation over punishment. To find a better balance, we

need to carefully consider factors such as how societies are built on principles of justice and

fairness, leading to extrajudicial killings as never justifiable.

Addressing extrajudicial killings requires a commitment that comes down to ensuring that law

enforcement operates within the law and respects human dignity. Creating a society where

justice is fair and grounded in Christian values that honor the sanctity of life. By means of

holding those in power accountable and making sure they genuinely serve and protect people

rather than overstepping their authority. Justice should not involve taking shortcuts or

bypassing a fair trial but should focus on building a system where even those who’ve made

mistakes have a chance for change and redemption. Ultimately, it's about fostering a society

where mercy, fairness, and the value of each person guide how we respond to crime and

wrongdoing.

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, the extrajudicial killings during President Duterte's "War on Drugs" highlight a

grave violation of human rights and due process, with many lives lost without legal

accountability. These acts, often connected to law enforcement, expose systemic issues that

threaten the principles of justice and the rule of law. Ethically and theologically, they contradict

the sanctity of life, breaching the biblical commandment against murder and undermining

teachings that prioritize justice, mercy, and human dignity.

To address these critical issues, it is crucial to prioritize reforms within law enforcement,

ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal standards. Implementing

body cameras and conducting thorough investigations into extrajudicial killings are essential

steps toward restoring public trust and preventing further violations.

By holding accountable those responsible for these abuses and ensuring that due process is

upheld, society can strive for a more just and compassionate future, where the value of every

human life is respected and upheld.

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