Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s War on Drugs unleashed a brutal campaign targeting low-level drug users, leading to widespread death and attracting international condemnation for human rights abuses. This campaign has prompted investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for potential crimes against humanity. When confronted by the Philippine Senate, Duterte unapologetically admitted to instructing police officers and vigilantes to kill drug users who resisted, framing his war as a necessary evil to secure public safety. For many Filipinos, these bold proclamations underscored Duterte's image as a self-sacrificing hero, committed to the nation's security even at great personal cost. But the real question lies in why a policy resulting in thousands of deaths retains such public support. This enduring popularity can be better understood through the lens of "techniques of neutralization," which Duterte's supporters use to morally justify the violence, shielding both Duterte and themselves from accountability.
Techniques of Neutralization: A Moral Shield
The five primary techniques of neutralization—denial of responsibility, denial of injury, denial of the victim, condemnation of the condemners, and appeal to higher loyalties—form the backbone of Duterte's moral justification for his Drug War. They allow supporters to sidestep the ethical dilemmas posed by the violence:
Denial of Responsibility: Supporters absolve Duterte and his death squads of responsibility, shifting the blame onto the victims. They argue that those killed had ample warning and chose to ignore Duterte’s clear intentions, thus, they were "responsible" for their own deaths.
Denial of Injury: This tactic suggests that the deaths of drug users do not harm society. Instead, it frames their removal as beneficial to the public, portraying drug users as a drain on society, unworthy of empathy or protection.
Denial of the Victim: Under this narrative, drug users are not victims but “zombies”—societal pests whose elimination is likened to eradicating vermin. Supporters see their deaths not as a loss but as a necessary cleansing of the community.
Condemnation of the Condemners: Critics of the Drug War are branded as unpatriotic or indifferent to public safety. Duterte's supporters label these dissenters as traitors, accusing them of failing to prioritize the well-being of law-abiding citizens.
Appeal to Higher Loyalties: Duterte's most potent justification casts him as a hero who sacrifices for the people’s peace. In this view, the War on Drugs serves the higher purpose of national security and prosperity, making it a regrettable but necessary means to a justifiable end.
Through these techniques, Duterte skillfully transformed violent actions into acceptable, even heroic, acts. The narrative that he is simply doing the "dirty work" of protecting the public not only justifies the killings but endears him to many as a rare leader with the “courage” to tackle crime head-on.
Countering the Narrative: Exposing Neutralization and Offering Solutions
To dismantle Duterte’s grip on public support, it is critical to challenge these techniques of neutralization. Breaking these justifications will require both a shift in public perception and the implementation of humane, effective drug policies.
Addressing Denial of Responsibility and Denial of Injury: Media campaigns and educational programs must expose the flaws in these justifications, emphasizing that drug dependency is often rooted in socio-economic hardship, mental health challenges, and inadequate support systems. Portraying drug users as people in need of assistance rather than as “vermin” can counteract the harmful dehumanization perpetuated by Duterte’s supporters.
Countering Denial of the Victim: Society must reject the dangerous notion that any group of people can be less than human. Encouraging empathy through public education and awareness programs can help restore humanity to the victims of the Drug War, shifting the public’s perspective from fear-driven support for violence to compassion-based support for rehabilitation.
Condemnation of Condemners and Higher Loyalties: Civic education should highlight that true patriotism aligns with human rights and social equity. Exposing the corruption, abuse, and extrajudicial killings at the core of Duterte’s campaign will help redefine "patriotism" as respecting life, law, and justice. Community leaders, educators, and the media must reinforce the message that protecting life, even when difficult, is a cornerstone of a free and just society.
Real Solutions to the Drug Problem
In contrast to Duterte’s methods, addressing drug issues through evidence-based public health and criminal justice reforms offers a path to real, sustainable progress. Research shows that punitive, violent responses to drug use exacerbate harm, while rehabilitation and harm reduction strategies produce lasting positive outcomes. Here are some proven approaches:
Investing in Treatment and Rehabilitation: Rather than punishment, effective treatment addresses the underlying causes of drug dependency. Government resources should fund accessible, quality rehabilitation services to support recovery and reintegration into society.
Implementing Harm Reduction Programs: Harm reduction, such as providing clean needles and safe spaces, reduces the health risks associated with drug use without promoting drug dependency. These programs also reduce the likelihood of spreading diseases and improve access to social services.
Strengthening Community-Based Prevention: Community programs focusing on education, employment opportunities, and social support can prevent drug use by addressing its root causes. Targeting poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion will reduce the demand for drugs more effectively than a violent crackdown ever could.
Decriminalizing Low-Level Drug Use: Countries worldwide are finding that decriminalizing possession for personal use shifts resources from punishment to treatment, reducing drug-related deaths and improving community health.
Comprehensive Public Health Campaigns: Educating the public on the realities of drug use, dispelling myths, and encouraging empathy for those struggling with addiction can transform societal attitudes. By showing drug users as individuals in need of support rather than punishment, these campaigns create a climate more conducive to humane policy.
The Path Forward
The techniques of neutralization have allowed Duterte's Drug War to gain dangerous popularity despite its devastating impact. By revealing these justifications as morally and ethically flawed, society can pave the way for humane, effective drug policies. Breaking the cycle of violence and fostering compassion will not only improve public health but will build a society where the rule of law respects the dignity of every individual. As long as neutralization justifies the brutality of the Drug War, it will continue to thrive, claiming lives and corroding the nation’s soul. The task now is to dismantle these narratives, holding leaders accountable and demanding that public safety never come at the expense of humanity.
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