Most Filipinos ‘worried’ about summary killings – SWS poll

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Most Filipinos ‘worried’ about summary killings – SWS poll

Rob Reyes

(UPDATED) An SWS survey also says that majority believe the issue of extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration is a 'serious problem'

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – While many Filipinos support President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on illegal drugs, most of them also fear that they, or someone they know, will be victims of extrajudicial killings.

A new Social Weather Stations survey, first published on BusinessWorld, found that 78% of its respondents were worried they could be the next victims (45% “very worried,” 33% “somewhat worried”).

Of the respondents, 10% were “not too worried” while 12% were “not worried at all.”

The poll, conducted from December 3 to 6, covered 1,500 adults from all over the country. It has sampling error margins of +/- 3 points.

A majority of respondents also believe the issue of extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration is a “serious” problem (39% “very serious,” 30% “somewhat serious”). Only 3% think the problem is “not serious at all” while 22% were undecided. (READ: Impunity: In the name of the father)

Trust issues with PNP

Filipinos still have trust issues with the Philippine National Police (PNP) when it comes to their implementation of the anti-illegal drugs campaign, according to the survey.

Of the respondents, 29% don’t believe in the PNP’s claim that they only kill drug suspects who violently resist arrest (16% “definitely not the truth,” 13% “probably not the truth”). (READ: ‘Nanlaban sila’: Duterte’s war on drugs)

Meanwhile, 28% believe the police (19% “probably the truth,” 9% “definitely the truth”).

But the remaining 42% were still not sure what to believe.

Despite the fears and uncertainty, Duterte’s anti-drugs campaign still netted a +77 or “excellent” public satisfaction rating.

A majority of respondents, 85% to be exact, were satisfied with the “drug war” (53% “very satisfied,” 32% “somewhat satisfied”).

Only 8% were dissatisfied while 7% were undecided.

A large majority of respondents, 88%, even agreed that the Duterte administration has reduced the illegal drug problem in their area (56% “strongly agree,” 32% “somewhat agree”).

Only 3% don’t agree while 9% were undecided.

The Palace assured the public on Monday that law-abidizing citizens have nothing to fear from government.

“We recognize our people’s concern as we assure them that the government’s anti-drug operations are not aimed at poor, innocent, hapless individuals,” said Communications Secretary Martin Andanar in a press statement.

He emphasized that police follow the procedures during anti-drug operations.

“What our authorities are conducting are legitimate police operations that require observance of operational protocols.  Police authorities who violate procedures are made to answer before the law,” said Andanar.

Since the start of Duterte’s term, 6,065 people have been killed in drug-related incidents as of early December 2016. Of this number, 2,102 were killed in police operations as of December 14 while 3,933 were victims of extrajudicial killings.

Duterte has insisted the extrajudicial killings are not the work of government but by drug personalities and other criminals.

But human rights activists and his critics have said his colorful threats against drug suspects may be creating a culture of impunity that encourages the killings, whether or not state-sponsored.

The PNP, however, insists they conduct anti-drug operations properly and only shoot when suspects resist arrest. (READ: Dela Rosa to Senate: We are not butchers)

As of December 14, at least 40,932 suspected drug personalities have been arrested. – Rappler.com

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