Philippine government calls Duterte's drug war "unacceptable."
The Philippine government has condemned former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war policy as "unacceptable." Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that the approach violates the law and questioned its effectiveness, highlighting the impact on victims' families. Duterte was arrested upon returning to the Philippines after an International Criminal Court warrant was issued. The ICC is investigating alleged extrajudicial killings linked to his anti-drug campaign during his presidency and time as Davao City mayor. Castro emphasized that while victims of drug-related crimes can seek justice, Duterte's violent methods should not be a government policy. The condemnation marks a significant shift in the current administration's stance on the controversial drug war.