Phl drug war featured in Nat Geo documentary

MANILA, Philippines - The Duterte administration’s brutal drug war was featured in a new documentary released by the National Geographic Channel.

Acclaimed documentary television series “National Geographic Explorer” aired on Monday the premier episode of its 10th season, which focused on the war on drugs launched by President Duterte in June 2016.

Last December, American journalist Ryan Duffy joined local crime reporters covering vigilante killings and police encounters.

“Fewer than half of the 7,000 drug-related deaths were caused by police. A majority of victims were murdered by vigilantes, some of whom empowered mercenaries paid by the cops. Other vigilantes are believed to be civilians, gangs or drug lords looking to get rid of rivals or settle an old score with the neighbor,” Duffy narrates in a clip released by Time Magazine.

“It’s widely rumored that these killers could also be the police themselves, acting as a secret death squad, something Duterte denies,” he added.

In an article about the documentary, Time Magazine said the episode “captures in motion” a world that has gained global attention through reports of international and local journalists.

It features a montage of scenes at the crime sites and wakes, coupled with statements from Duterte and reactions from experts, including human rights advocates.

“There’s also footage of a little-shown aspect of the drug war: Operation Tokhang. A clip shows police sweeping through a neighborhood and apparently arbitrarily detaining residents,” read the Time article.

“The film suggests that the list of ‘surrendered’ people compiled under such operations – which now counts more than one million – might just be a hit list,” it added.

Various international media organizations, including Time, The New York Times and The Guardian have featured the Philippine war on drugs.

Over 7,000 people were killed, around half of them for supposedly “fighting back” during police operations.

New drug group head named

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Graciano Jaylo Mijares will head the newly formed Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group, PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa announced yesterday.

Mijares served as PNP Region 3 deputy director for administration.

PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Dionardo Carlos said all sectors of society, including media workers may join police operations under Double Barrel Reloaded. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Emmanuel Tupas