Up First from NPR The Sunday Story: Life in the Shadow of the Philippines' Drug War
May 19, 2024
Emily Feng, NPR's correspondent and a keen observer of global issues, delves into the tragic realities of the Philippines' drug war. She paints a heart-wrenching portrait of individuals like Tin, a young widow, showcasing the deep scars left by extrajudicial killings. Feng discusses the stark contrast between government narratives and the community's lived realities, shedding light on the ongoing violence under President Marcos Jr. The podcast reveals urgent calls for a humane shift towards rehabilitation amidst a brutal campaign that has affected countless families.
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Tin's Story
- Tin's husband, Chris Mel Sirioso, occasionally used Shabu to cope with financial stress.
- Police shot him dead despite family claims he wasn't selling drugs, highlighting the arbitrary nature of the killings.
Independent Data Collection
- Researchers at the University of the Philippines meticulously document drug war killings.
- Their data reveals inconsistencies with official police reports, showing a higher death toll.
Unreported Killings in Bulacan
- In Bulacan, Romeo Grutas witnesses unreported drug killings.
- Drug selling is often the only reliable income due to lack of jobs, even for grandmothers.