The War on Drugs: Objectives and Implementation

The centerpiece of Duterte's domestic policy was the "War on Drugs," an aggressive campaign aimed at eradicating illegal drugs across the Philippines. The stated objectives were to reduce crime rates, protect the youth from drug addiction, and create a safer society for all Filipinos. Duterte's administration argued that the drug problem was a national emergency that required drastic measures, often bypassing traditional law enforcement protocols.

Implementation of the War on Drugs involved empowering the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies to conduct operations targeting suspected drug dealers and users. These operations often involved raids, buy-bust operations, and checkpoints in communities across the country. The campaign was characterized by its intensity and the high number of arrests and drug seizures reported by the government.