Families of Drug War Victims Demand Investigation into Online Harassment
Families of Philippine drug war victims are confronting coordinated online harassment. They are calling for investigations to identify the attackers to seek legal action. Significant figures like Sheerah Escudero and Kristina Conti stress the impact of these attacks, urging the National Bureau of Investigation to intervene and protect the victims’ rights. The situation highlights the broader implications of misinformation surrounding former President Duterte’s arrest.
Families of victims from the Philippine drug war are urging law enforcement authorities to investigate a series of coordinated online harassment campaigns targeting them. These families, including Sheerah Escudero, whose brother was brutally murdered in 2017, are seeking legal recourse against the individuals responsible for the intimidation they have faced online since the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11.
Ms. Katherine Panguban, from the National Union of People’s Lawyers, representing Escudero and other victims, highlighted the intense harassment that families are enduring, branding them liars and fake victims. Escudero has reported her social media accounts inundated with malicious comments accusing her of being deceptive and financially motivated for pursuing justice for her brother.
Together with human rights lawyer Kristina Conti, who also faces online abuse, Escudero has called on the National Bureau of Investigation to identify the perpetrators behind these social media attacks and spread falsehoods. Conti remarked that these tactics are designed to undermine the credibility of families of the deceased.
Panguban reiterated their hope that the NBI will assist in revealing the identities of those culpable, thus facilitating legal action against them. Furthermore, misinformation has proliferated on social media, with Duterte supporters equating his arrest to kidnapping and promoting his position through paid advertisements.
Former President Duterte, who ruled the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, is under scrutiny for alleged crimes against humanity related to the violent anti-narcotics operations that resulted in numerous deaths. At 80 years old, he risks becoming the first Asian ex-leader to stand trial at The Hague, asserting that he assumes full responsibility for his government’s actions during the drug war.
In summary, the families affected by the Philippine drug war are battling against significant online harassment and misinformation, urging proper investigations to bring those accountable to justice. With support from legal representatives, they are striving to reveal the identities of tormentors while raising awareness of the vulnerabilities faced by families seeking justice following tragic losses. The unfolding situation underscores the ongoing dialogue regarding accountability and human rights within the context of Duterte’s controversial administration.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
