The Shadow of Duterte’s War on Drugs: A Perfect Storm of Violence in Philippine Schools

The Philippines, long considered one of the more peaceful countries in Southeast Asia, is grappling with a growing crisis of school violence. Recent shootings at schools in Tacloban and Zamboanga have raised alarm bells across the nation, prompting lawmakers to investigate the root causes of this disturbing trend.

While some may attribute the problem to social media or online extremist networks exploiting vulnerable youth, it’s essential to examine the broader cultural context that has contributed to this perfect storm. The normalization of violence under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs is a significant factor in this crisis. As Senator Risa Hontiveros astutely observed, “the legacy of violence left behind by the bloody drug war… seeped deeper and has now even entered our schools.”

The connection between the war on drugs and school violence may not be direct, but it’s undeniable that Duterte’s campaign glorified violence as a viable solution to problems. This toxic atmosphere was further exacerbated by the increasingly digital lives of Filipino adolescents, who are more susceptible to online grooming and radicalization.

Research suggests that 60% of Filipino children aged 10-17 have internet access and are active users, making them prime targets for recruiters seeking lonely or socially isolated individuals. Online extremist networks exploit these vulnerabilities through platforms like online games, private servers, and encrypted messaging apps, where trust-building can quickly escalate into isolation, coercion, and blackmail.

The Senate hearings highlighted the systematic nature of this exploitation, with cybersecurity expert Angel Redoble describing how NVE networks seek out vulnerable children on ordinary platforms before moving them into more isolated environments. This process often culminates in “status through brutality,” where extreme acts earn standing within the group, leading to violence spilling into the real world.

The authorities are investigating a possible copycat phenomenon after posts glorifying the Tacloban shooters appeared online, while footage of the Zamboanga shooting continues to be reposted. The police have handled 74 NVE cases and rescued 42 minors, 30 of whom were aged 15 or younger.

However, sociologist Filomin Gutierrez points out a paradox in a society that prides itself on close families and strong community ties but often neglects those who fail to bond. “While many of us are well-bonded, the few who could not bond – viewed as ‘weak’, ‘strange’, ‘delinquent’, or ‘problematic’ – suffer in isolation, and pathways for them to be integrated are sealed.”

This perfect storm of violence is a symptom of deeper societal issues that need to be addressed. The Philippines must reckon with its legacy of violence and take concrete steps to prevent further exploitation of vulnerable youth. This includes providing better training for parents and teachers to identify and support isolated children, increasing resources for school guidance counselors, and implementing effective counter-radicalization programs.

The authorities must also take a more proactive approach in monitoring online activities and preventing the spread of extremist content. This is not just about policing social media platforms but about creating a culture that values empathy, understanding, and inclusivity.

As the Philippines navigates this complex crisis, it’s essential to acknowledge the complicity of all stakeholders – government agencies, educators, parents, and community leaders – in allowing violence to seep into schools. The time for finger-pointing is over; it’s time for collective action to create a safer, more compassionate society for all its children.

The Philippines’ future hangs in the balance. Will we choose to repeat the mistakes of the past or forge a new path towards peace and understanding? The choice is ours.