Philippine President’s war on drugs now targets politicians and judges

PHILIPPINE President has publicly named at least 150 government officials in his war on drugs. Which means their lives are in danger.

This woman’s husband was found dead in the streets of Manila with a crude cardboard poster left behind by the motorcycle-riding gunmen killers saying "drug pusher", a claim she refutes. Picture: Noel Celis/AFP

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte has identified more than 150 politicians, judges and members of law enforcement agencies allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade. Duterte said that while the involvement of some officials might not be true, he was making public their names because it was his “sworn duty”.

The news comes three days after news.com.au reported that the president would name up to 50 executives, effectively making them “dead men walking” under his shoot-to-kill policy in his war on drugs.

Family mourn the loss of Michael Siaron at a cemetery in Manila. Siaron was killed by suspected vigilantes on July 22 acting on President Rodrigo Duterte's call to kill all the country's drug dealers. Picture: Noel Celis/AFP

“It’s very important for the people to know the state of things, of conditions in this country,” he said in a speech early on Sunday at a military camp in the southern city of Davao.

“This is not personal to me,” he added.

“I am not your enemy. I don’t have ill feelings toward you. But I am angry now.” The list included eight judges, more than 50 incumbent and former mayors, vice-mayors, governors and congressmen as well as 95 police officers, soldiers and jail guards.

Relatives of Michael Siaron follow a hearse carrying his coffin during his burial ceremony at a cemetery in Manila. Picture: Noel Celis/AFP

Duterte ordered those on the list to surrender within 24 hours. “Or else, I will order the entire armed forces of the Philippines to hunt you,” he warned.

Since Duterte took office on June 30, nearly 500 suspects have been killed in his administration’s anti-drug campaign.

Most of them were killed by police allegedly because they fought back when arrested, while others were suspected of having been killed by vigilante groups or rival drug gangs.

Human rights groups have condemned the killings and urged Duterte to take steps to ensure that the rights of suspects are respected and that the rule of law is upheld, while cracking down on illegal drugs.