According to human rights organizations, the war on drugs in the Philippines has claimed more than 30,000 lives since 2016, including over 140 children. The new government under President Marcos intends to continue this policy. Ralf Willinger, children's rights officer at Terre des Hommes , knows its victims.

Ralf, how do the drug raids in Davao City proceed?

The police usually come at night and enter homes heavily armed. Many mistakes are made: A twelve-year-old child was shot dead because he had the same name as a 30-year-old drug dealer they were looking for. The mother told the police they were wrong. They killed the boy anyway. The police assume everyone in the neighborhood is in cahoots. Young people, in particular, must constantly expect to be targeted. People here live in constant fear and insecurity. 

Will those responsible within the police be held accountable?

This is difficult. Former President Duterte systematically eliminated his opponents – including judges who didn't follow his line. Our partner organizations are nevertheless trying to ensure that the perpetrators don't go unpunished. They document cases and engage in international media and lobbying. At least the International Criminal Court is now investigating police violence in the Philippines.

How should drug crime be combated?

Anti-drug wars are never successful – not in Brazil, not in Colombia, and not in the Philippines. It's an outdated strategy that has proven wrong: violence escalates, and drug trafficking and the number of users increase. Controlled legal sales and support services for users are far more effective.

How does Alay Mindanao promote non-violent conflict resolution?

The children in Davao City grow up surrounded by violence: police violence, domestic violence, and violence at school. They need to learn that there are other ways. In our peace handbook, "Together Without Violence," we show them various ways to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Does this also help against police violence?

Police officers are human beings too, so it can help to talk to them and make it clear that others have rights and feelings as well. Our partner organization, Alay Mindanao, advises a group of widows. And these women bravely tell the police officers to their faces: "You killed an innocent child." Many police officers were indeed affected. "It wasn't us, it was the special forces from Manila," they said. They have become more cautious since then.

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