Lost Lives: Extrajudicial Killings and the Breakdown of Justice in the Philippines

Abstract

To live in this world is a great opportunity, but to take away the right to life is against humanity. Human rights refer to the rights that are enjoyed by all individuals, regardless of their nationality, race, or origin (United Nations). The right to express, the right to life, and a life free from discrimination are some of the features of human rights. These rights are protected by the constitution of each country to ensure that individuals live peacefully. However, there are instances where these rights are being violated and victims cannot defend themselves. One of the alarming examples is the execution of extrajudicial killings where people’s basic rights are being denied. There’s no exception in the implementation of the campaign; even the children became targets of the unjust system. Extrajudicial killings became prevalent in the Philippines under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The campaign involves unlawful actions where individuals are executed without undergoing the due legal process. The government actions caught the attention of the international community amidst the anti-drug operations and massive killing while targeting individuals without concrete evidence. This study employs a qualitative approach to explore the effects of extrajudicial killings on human rights and societal dynamics by reviewing existing literature, case studies, and reports, with a particular emphasis on the war on drugs campaign of President Duterte.