Philippines launches independent truth commission to investigate drug war killings

Wednesday 27 May 2026 - 09:45

The Philippines has established an independent truth commission to investigate alleged killings linked to the country’s controversial anti-drug campaign, marking a significant step toward examining one of the most violent periods in its recent history.

The civilian-led panel, headed by a former judge of the International Criminal Court, aims to document cases of alleged extrajudicial killings and create an official record of abuses committed during the nationwide crackdown on illegal drugs.

The anti-drug campaign, which intensified between 2016 and 2022 under former president Rodrigo Duterte, led to thousands of deaths according to official police figures. Human rights organizations, however, estimate that the real toll could be significantly higher.

Authorities state that around 6,000 suspects were killed during police operations, often described as resisting arrest. Rights groups argue that many of these deaths involved unlawful use of force and demand full accountability for those responsible.

The new commission will operate independently from the government and focus on gathering testimonies, evidence, and documentation to support future legal proceedings. Its findings are expected to be shared with national and international authorities to support potential prosecutions.

The initiative comes as Duterte faces legal proceedings at the ICC, where he is accused of crimes against humanity, allegations he denies. Meanwhile, domestic investigations into police conduct have progressed slowly, with limited prosecutions to date.

Commission officials emphasize that the goal is not to replace the judicial system but to establish a credible historical record that could support justice, reconciliation, and institutional reform in the country.