The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) stated that former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte must be held accountable for his crimes against humanity, particularly the drug war killings, which claimed tens of thousands of lives. Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma’s admission that Duterte directly ordered and funded the drug war killings on a national scale is damning evidence sufficient to bring him to justice.

“The people continue to demand justice for all victims of state terror and abuses under Duterte. As he seeks a return to the Davao City mayoralty, it is crucial to expose him for what he is: a mass murderer and a war criminal who deserves to spend the rest of his life in jail,” according to KMP

KMP joined human rights advocates and families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims in a protest outside the House of Representatives, coinciding with the quad-committee hearing on Duterte’s drug war. Despite having left office two years ago, Duterte has faced no consequences for the estimated 13,000 deaths tied to his drug war, despite local and international pressure, including attention from the United Nations and the potential involvement of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The peaceful protest, attended by various sectors, was disrupted by Quezon City Police District (QCPD) officers, who pushed and shoved protesters. According to a 2017 Rappler report, the QCPD was involved in around 216 extrajudicial killings.

Duterte’s long-standing crimes against farmers also remain unaddressed. In 2021, most of the 470 political prisoners were farmers, and 460 were killed. Memorandum Order 32, which effectively imposed martial law in some regions, continues under the Marcos regime. Recent victims include two farmers from Masbate, Ronnel Abril and Roger Clores, bringing the number of extrajudicial killings under Marcos to 107. Since 2022, farmers have accounted for about 69% of such victims. Duterte’s regime implemented the “all-of-nation” approach to counter-insurgency, leading to the creation of the NTF-ELCAC through Executive Order 70.

KMP said Duterte’s crimes go beyond direct violence. His administration passed the anti-farmer Rice Liberalization Law, crippling local agriculture to secure loans from the IMF-World Bank. This subservience to imperialist interests was a hallmark of his regime, which continues under the current administration despite efforts to distance itself. ###