Rights groups refute Marcos’ claim of ‘progress’ in ending drug war abusesThis undated photo shows people lighting candles to protest killings under the Duterte administration's 'war on drugs.' MANILA, Philippines — Human rights groups on Thursday refuted the president’s recent claim that the government is “progressing” in terms of curbing police abuses in the so-called “war on drugs” initiated by his predecessor. Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) in separate statements criticized Marcos for touting the “lessened” problem of drugs under his leadership during his visit to Germany this week. “The ‘drug war’ remains a state policy. Official figures put deaths from Duterte's anti-narcotics campaign at more than 6,000, but estimates from human rights groups peg the actual number of fatalities as at least 30,000.

Source: Philippine Star March 14, 2024 14:40 UTC