Many countries are currently at war with a problem that invades most cultures: drugs. In the Philippines, however, that war has taken a very dark and dangerous turn. In a 2015 survey, it was discovered that over one quarter of the population is living below the poverty line and many people turn to drugs to supplement their “needs” and keep them feeling happier. Recently, the human rights infringements behind some of the actions resulting in President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs have been called to questioning. Last month the police raided a building in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and arrested a father and son that were sharing a small concrete room and using the drugs they could find. Upon their arrival at the police station they were beaten and shot to death. The officers involved in this brutality claimed that the two were attempting to escape and tried to grab the officer's gun, however, investigators deemed that by the time the duo was shot they had been beaten so badly that they could not move.

Close to 1,000 people have been killed by police officers and vigilantes since May. President Duterte called for the killing or both drug dealers and users and people are obeying that comand over the law itself. This murder of both father and son is one of the only that is receiving strict action. Both officers involved are facing suspension and probable termination. Duterte gave a speech last week stating that excess force is uncalled for but did not apologize for his statement to kill users and dealers. The president did however call the U.N “very stupid” for proposing a different tactic to handling the war. This violation of human rights does not seem to be nearing an end.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/20/world/asia/phili...

https://psa.gov.ph/tags/poverty

http://time.com/4457060/philippines-duterte-united-nations-drugs/