Truth Panel Set to Scrutinize Drug‑War Deaths

A new group is being formed in the Philippines to look into killings that happened during a government campaign against drugs. The panel is headed by a former judge from the International Criminal Court and will act without direct government influence. Its main job is to gather facts about people who died while police were trying to arrest them and to create a reliable record that could help future courts. Police officials say about 6, 200 suspects were killed in the last years of President Duterte’s administration. Human rights groups believe the real number could be far higher, possibly in the tens of thousands. The former president is now in The Hague facing charges that he may have ordered or allowed widespread killings. He denies any wrongdoing, and the Philippine police have only brought a handful of cases to trial so far.

The panel will hold open hearings where families, witnesses and even former police officers can share their stories. People who testify will receive protection to keep them safe from retaliation. The commission’s goal is not to replace the courts or decide who is guilty. Instead, it wants a clear truth record that can guide reforms, help heal communities and stop similar violence in the future. The panel will also produce evidence‑based recommendations for law‑enforcement and justice agencies. It plans to release findings every six months, ending with a final report once its work is complete. The launch comes at the same time that authorities are searching for a former police chief who faces similar accusations. This shows the country’s growing willingness to confront its past and seek accountability.

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