Today, Explained

The president's hit list

Sep 12, 2019
This conversation dives deep into the chilling realities of the drug war in the Philippines under Duterte. It recounts a deadly encounter in Manila that illustrates the violence stemming from this conflict. The podcast investigates systemic issues, like police involvement in vigilante killings, and reveals significant discrepancies in reported death tolls. Public perception shifted dramatically during his rise to power, fueled by fear of drug users. The discussion also highlights concerns regarding democracy and the accountability of governance amidst such brutality.
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ANECDOTE

Manila Shooting

  • Two friends, Manuel and Jefferson, entangled in the drug trade, were shot in Manila.
  • Jefferson survived by pretending to be dead, highlighting the fear and violence surrounding the drug war.
INSIGHT

Underreported Deaths

  • Sheila Coronel investigated drug war deaths in Manila, finding significant underreporting by the police.
  • The actual death toll is estimated to be three times higher than official figures.
INSIGHT

Killers' Identities

  • Killings are carried out by police in operations and by masked gunmen, allegedly vigilantes or off-duty police.
  • Coronel suggests that drug syndicates are unlikely to be responsible for the vast majority of the killings.
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