Philippines: Public outrage on August 21 following deadly police raids /update 1

Event

The killing of 17-year-old high school student by police officers  during recent drug raids has sparked public outrage in the Philippines. Hundreds of protesters gathered in Manila and Caloocan on Monday, August 21, to denounce the tens of thousands of killings that have taken place during the government crackdown on drugs. A prominent Catholic leader has also announced that church bells will ring 15 minutes nightly across his religious district, located in northern Manila, from Tuesday, August 22, to Monday, November 27, as a sign of protest. Additional demonstrations may occur in the coming weeks.

Context

The killed student was among the 80 drug and crime suspects shot dead by police in Bulacan, Manila, and Caloocan City during a series of raids last week carried out as part of the government’s ongoing war on drugs. Rodrigo Duterte won presidential elections last year promising to aggressively pursue the eradication of drugs from the country. According to police, some 3500 people have died in anti-drug operations since Duterte came into office, although human rights organizations claim a much higher death toll.

His anti-drug campaign has sparked international criticism amid repeated allegations of killings, torture, and rape.

Advice

Individuals present in the Philippines are advised to adhere to all government regulations, monitor developments to the situation, and maintain a low profile while in the country. Avoid all forms of public demonstrations or gatherings.

As a reminder, most Western governments formally advise against all travel to southwest Mindanao and to the Sulu Archipelago due to terrorist activity, regular clashes between the military and insurgent groups, and the risk of kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf.