Target: Rodrigo Duterte, President of the Philippines
Goal: Do not encourage lethal force taken against substance abusers of narcotics.
“If you know of any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself, as getting their parents to do it would be too painful.” These shocking words did not come from a movie script. They came directly from the mouth of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte. Since this opening shot in a so-called “war on drugs,” an estimated 30,000 young people have been killed, many reportedly by police operating without restraint. Advocates and grieving mothers say these officials are only following the orders of the region’s leader, and now they want accountability.
Among the alleged government dictates are the following: bounties and shoot-to-kill orders given to security forces and the encouragement of regular citizens to use lethal force against drug users. According to a United Nations report, the Philippines now ranks in the top five world’s most dangerous places to live for civilians. The violence has even drawn the attention of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which recently launched an investigation into potential crimes against humanity.
Sign the petition below to demand the president end his reckless and deadly campaign for good.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear President Duterte,
The International Criminal Court has issued a scathing condemnation, accusing the Philippines of a “widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population.” You’ve expressed your own reservations about the “war on drugs,” even temporarily suspending national police dictates before reintroducing these lethal practices under the title “Double Barrel Reloaded.” You must take a deeper, harder look at the consequences of these actions.
Tens of thousands of families are now without their loved ones. Above all else, hear their voices. Addiction is an illness, not a crime. When you essentially order executions of the sick, you are setting an extremely dangerous and unsettling precedent and validating every claim of your crimes against humanity.
You reportedly want to run for political office again. Do not be a candidate who must wash the blood of those you represent from your hands before you take the stage. End this deadly war before the casualties become insurmountable.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Mart Production
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