/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/54/66/546650fa-26a4-40fd-8d6d-5a7a04540f81/rosetta2.png)
.jpg)
Families of Philippine Drug War Victims Urge NBI to Investigate Online Harassment
Following the ICC's arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity during the Philippine drug war, families of the victims have faced increased online harassment and threats. They are seeking the NBI's assistance to investigate and identify the perpetrators behind these coordinated attacks, which are part of a larger misinformation campaign aimed at discrediting their pursuit of justice.
Families of individuals who perished during the Philippine government's anti-drug operations are urging the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe a surge in online harassment and threats they've encountered since the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11, 2025, by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity related to the drug war.
Sheerah Escudero, whose 18-year-old brother was killed in 2017 during the anti-drug campaign, reports receiving numerous defamatory messages labeling her as a liar and a paid agitator. Human rights lawyer Kristina Conti, representing the victims' families, has formally requested the NBI to identify those responsible for these coordinated online attacks to facilitate legal action.
These online threats are part of a broader misinformation campaign aimed at discrediting the victims' families and portraying Duterte's arrest as illegitimate. This includes paid advertisements on social media platforms spreading false narratives about the ICC's jurisdiction and the circumstances of Duterte's apprehension.
What's Your Reaction?
)
