Families of victims of extrajudicial killings are seeking more information about a newly announced civilian-led “Truth Commission” that aims to investigate drug war-related deaths and other abuses in the Philippines.
In a May 27 press release, victims’ relatives questioned the panel’s independence, composition and mandate, asking how it would differ from past investigations and whether it could deliver meaningful accountability.
“What will make this process different?” said Llore Pasco. “We want to know who is commissioning the panel, how victims are represented, and what truth it will uncover.”
Pasco noted that while earlier proposals for such a body included victim representation and a gender-balanced panel, the newly announced five-member group has only one woman, forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun, and no representative from victims’ families.
She added that families would first need to understand the commission’s framework before deciding to participate, warning it could become “just another investigation and report” if it fails to produce concrete results.
Relatives also stressed the importance of consulting victims, many of whom faced stigma and misinformation following killings linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
“We know how to speak the truth. We have been telling our stories for years,” said Jane Lee. “Consultations with the victims and our families must be integral in the process.”
Lee said families remain open to supporting the initiative if it encourages others to come forward, but emphasized that their perspectives must be included in any truth-seeking mechanism.
The group said it plans to request a meeting with the commission to better understand its plans, while expressing cautious optimism about some civil society figures involved.
Families also underscored that any investigation should not be limited to past drug war killings but should include other alleged abuses, including those under the current administration, as they continue to pursue justice both locally and at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
