Up First from NPR The Long Shadow of Duterte's Drug War
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Mar 23, 2025 
Emily Feng, an NPR international correspondent with deep expertise on the Philippines, explores the haunting legacy of Rodrigo Duterte's drug war. She discusses the legal challenges facing Duterte, including his recent arrest for crimes against humanity, and the emotional toll on victims’ families seeking justice. Feng shares harrowing stories, such as the impact of extrajudicial killings and the challenges of drug rehabilitation in Manila. The episode reveals the struggle to shift from a punitive justice system to a more compassionate approach, reflecting on the deep scars left on Filipino society.
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Tin and Chris's Story
- Tin's husband, Chris, used shabu to cope with financial stress and lack of stable employment.
- Despite brief sobriety, he relapsed and was later killed by police, highlighting the ongoing drug war.
Unreported Killings
- Chris's death is one of many unreported drug war casualties.
- Independent researchers work to document the true toll, highlighting the lack of official data.
Independent Data Collection
- Researchers at the University of the Philippines meticulously document drug killings due to inconsistent police data.
- Their work reveals a higher death toll than officially reported, exposing the government's denial.