As former President Rodrigo Duterte faces trial at the International Criminal Court, scrutiny falls on his drug war's impact on the Philippine National Police. On August 15, 2017, police officers killed 32 drug suspects in a single operation in Bulacan, the deadliest day of the campaign. Duterte praised the effort, joking about its efficiency.
In 2017, a Philippine National Police operation in Bulacan drew controversy when officers killed 32 drug suspects in one day. Dubbed 'one time-big time' by the Bulacan Provincial Police, it was lauded by Duterte, who in jest called for more such outcomes like '32 deaths a day.' Killings continued in the following days: 26 in Manila, 17 in Cavite, 4 in Caloocan, and 2 in Marikina.
Prior to the drug war, the PNP began professionalizing in 1991 when the Philippine Public Safety College took control of the Philippine National Police Academy and Philippine National Training Institute. Cadets were trained in rule of law, due process, and modern concepts such as community policing and human rights-based approaches. These efforts followed Martial Law-era impunity, aiming to counter a culture of abuse by political elites.
However, the article argues that Duterte's drug war reversed this progress. Instead of structural reforms against corruption and political interference, it granted a license to kill. Killings became systematic, boosting police morale through sanctioned violence and promised immunity. Instructors despaired as teachings on calibrated force and due process were ignored in favor of operations ending in 'nanlaban' narratives.
Today, with Duterte detained at The Hague facing trial, questions arise about reclaiming PNP professionalism via merit-based promotions, human rights retraining, and insulation from politics. Author Raymund E. Narag, PhD, an associate professor at Southern Illinois University, emphasizes that the public must recognize quick justice often lacks true justice. The August 15 events symbolized a shift from service to fear, challenging the institution's soul.
