Philippines Grants Military and Police Extrajudicial Killing License Regarding COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Rodrigo Duterte, the President of the Philippines, who sparked controversy by granting the military and police 'license to kill' during the war on drugs, has once again given extrajudicial powers to the military and police in relation to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). During the COVID-19 lockdown period, if problems arise that threaten the lives of military and police personnel, it is permissible to kill the offenders.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to Philippine media on the 2nd, President Duterte instructed the military and police in a public address to "shoot to kill if a clash occurs and lives are threatened." He ordered this while emphasizing, "Maintaining order is important, so please follow government guidelines." He also directed crackdowns on acts that harm medical personnel.

In the slums of the Philippines, protests demanding relief supplies are taking place. The impoverished people who lost their jobs due to the lockdown are demanding government support.

In the Philippines, there are voices calling for the execution of relief budgets rather than relying on coercive force to enforce lockdown measures on marginalized groups in relation to COVID-19.

Meanwhile, as COVID-19 cases in the Philippines rise sharply, the government is considering expanding lockdown areas. Currently, lockdown measures have been imposed on Luzon Island, where the capital Manila is located, as well as on Cebu Province in the central region.