Truth Commission to present drug war report to government

The civil society group Truth Commission held its first session on Friday with families of victims of the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs, as it seeks to gather testimonies and produce a consolidated report for submission to relevant national agencies.

In a “24 Oras” report by Ian Cruz, the group honored the victims by listening to a live performance of the song “Katotohanan” (Truth). One by one, attendees lit candles—symbolizing how a single spark can spark a greater flame.

The Truth Commission is an independent body formed to allow the families of drug war victims to share the truth and tell their loved ones' stories.

Luzviminda Siapo was the first to light a candle. She is the mother of Raymart Siapo, an 18-year-old person with a disability who was allegedly killed in the drug war in Navotas City in March 2017.

Siapo was working as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Kuwait when her son was killed. She recalled speaking with her son after a neighbor reported him to the local barangay over a missing chicken and household items. Just one day later, Raymart was killed.

“Ayaw ko talagang tigilan yung pag-iyak ko kasi hindi ko tanggap na patay na yung panganay ko…Hanggang sa pag nagtatrabaho ako, kahit hawak ko po yung mga pangkaskas,” Siapo shared.

(I couldn’t stop crying because I couldn't accept that my eldest son was gone... Even while working, even while holding my tools, the tears kept coming.)

Upon returning to the Philippines, she immediately went to the local barangay hall and the police station to demand answers regarding why her son, who had a physical disability, was killed.

Siapo discovered that Raymart had allegedly been placed on a drug watchlist for selling marijuana.

“Nakalagay sa drug watchlist si Raymart, sinamahan nila na nagtitinda ng marijuana si Raymart. Tas ang nakita na don shabu na, shabu at tsaka ‘yung baril na. Hinabol nila, bumaba pa yung bata, tapos nung namatay may baril na 'yung bata,” Siapo recalled.

(Raymart was put on the drug watchlist, accused of dealing marijuana. But then they claimed they found shabu and a gun on him. They said they chased him, that he tried to run, and that when he died, he was holding a gun.)

An examination of Raymart’s remains by forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun confirmed that he died from a gunshot wound to the head.

The Commission stated that it will closely monitor how the government responds to the report they plan to submit.

“We will observe how they will deal with it. Alam nila ang dapat nilang gawin, if this is a government that cares about… people who are victims or injustice,” Truth Commission Adviser Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David said.

(We will observe how they deal with it. They know what they ought to do if this is a government that truly cares about victims of injustice.)

The group added that if the International Criminal Court (ICC) requires a copy of their findings, they are willing to provide one.

“[‘Yung] matatanggap na mga ebidensya… kung kailangan po nila sa ICC investigations ay ipapaabot din namin sa kanila,” Truth Commission Chairperson Atty. Raul Pangalangan said.

(These gathered reports can serve as evidence... If the ICC needs them for their ongoing investigation, we will make sure to extend a copy to them as well.)

In 2025, former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the ICC on charges of crimes against humanity connected to his administration’s controversial drug war.

Government records show that more than 6,000 drug suspects were killed in police operations, although human rights groups estimate the death toll may have reached 30,000, citing unreported incidents.—Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/LDF, GMA News