Since taking office in June 2016, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has waged a brutal war on drugs that has claimed the lives of thousands of people. Among the casualties are innocent children whose parents have been killed in the crossfire or targeted for their alleged involvement in the drug trade.
The stories of these children are heartbreaking and serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of Duterte’s ruthless campaign. Many of these children are left orphaned, struggling to make sense of the violence that has torn their families apart.
One such child is 10-year-old Maria, whose parents were both killed in a police raid on their home. Left alone and traumatized, Maria now lives with her elderly grandmother who struggles to provide for her. She dreams of becoming a teacher one day, but the loss of her parents has made it difficult for her to focus on her studies.
Another child, 8-year-old Juan, witnessed his father being gunned down in the street by masked men. He now suffers from nightmares and anxiety, unable to shake the image of his father’s lifeless body lying in a pool of blood. Juan’s mother is also missing, feared to be another victim of the drug war.
These children are just a few of the many who have been left devastated by Duterte’s war on drugs. Their stories serve as a stark reminder of the need for justice and accountability for the victims of this brutal campaign. The government must do more to support these children and ensure that they receive the care and support they need to rebuild their lives.
Human rights organizations have called on the Philippine government to end the extrajudicial killings and hold those responsible for the deaths of innocent civilians accountable. But so far, Duterte has shown no signs of backing down, continuing to defend his violent crackdown on drugs as necessary for the safety and security of the country.
As the death toll continues to rise, it is imperative that we do not forget the children who have been left behind. They are the innocent victims of a war that shows no signs of ending, and they deserve our support and solidarity in their time of need. Let us not turn a blind eye to their suffering, but instead stand with them in demanding justice and an end to the senseless violence that has taken so many lives.
