Towards Truth Regarding Duterte’s ‘War on Drugs’ and Extra-Judicial Killings in the Philippines

Dr Garry Coventry1, Tristan Flores2, Raymond Basilio3

1James Cook University,

2Council for The Welfare of Children, 

3Alliance of Concerned Teachers, , Philippines

Critical criminology emphasizes the politics of research: from problem identification to identification of major research sources, data collection methods used, analytical methods employed and the reporting of data related to the major research problem. In many respects research concerned with the “War on Drugs” in the Philippines (being waged since 2016) has been presented as fraudulent and failing the tests of scientific rigour.

This paper outlines President Duterte’ war, presents claims made by proponents and opponents of this war, offers critical analysis of these major studies and, concludes, by offering a way forward upon which truth is more likely to be based on objective facts rather than the political context currently being played out in the Philippines.

In essence, this paper argues the case that this study highlights the downside of criminological research and, as a consequence, our inability as scientists, let alone the general public, to be accurately informed about the highs and lows of debates regarding the efficacy, or otherwise, and side effects of Duterte’s war on the political, cultural and social complexities of Filipino society.

Little is known outside the Philippines about this war unless one tracks various United Nations’ sponsored bodies. These documents are not totally believable. Talking or writing about these matters in the country can lead to imprisonment or even death threats.


Biography:

Bio to come