Exploring the Brutal Drug War in the Philippines: A Review of 'On the President's Orders'

The documentary introduces the Philippine leader known for launching a bloody drug war, which has been a controversial and violent campaign.

The film is described as a 'street level investigation of [the drug war] in action,' portraying a dark and apocalyptic reality that is both electrifying and happening in real-time.

The documentary references Hitler's massacres and the chilling statement that 'Now there is three million [people], I'd be happy to slaughter them,' highlighting the extreme and brutal nature of the discussion.

The transcript mentions vigilante-style killings in the Philippines, with suspicions of police involvement, indicating a concerning trend of extrajudicial violence in the country.

President Duterte is depicted as relentless in his promises to eradicate drugs, stating that the campaign will continue until the last drug pusher is eliminated, showcasing a ruthless approach to the issue.

The documentary highlights the impact of President Duterte's drug war, noting over 5,000 reported deaths and emphasizing that the poor have been disproportionately affected by the violent campaign.

There is a major shift in police tactics in response to criticisms and accusations of rampant corruption and human rights abuses, suggesting a potential change in approach to law enforcement in the Philippines.

A tense confrontation unfolds between a woman and law enforcement officers, showcasing the volatile and intense interactions that can occur in the context of the drug war in the Philippines.

A woman and an officer discover numerous paraphernalia items, questioning their purpose and ownership.

Jake mentions seeing someone with less than a specific amount, hinting at a potential crime or suspicious activity.

Adolfo Agustin sings a song in Filipino, expressing emotions and possibly reflecting on personal experiences.

A discussion arises about the president's strong stance against drugs, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy and potential consequences for offenders.

The president shows great enthusiasm for his anti-drug campaign, with a focus on strict enforcement and the importance of following his directives.

A commanding voice instructs the police to follow orders, emphasizing the protection of officers and the use of force if necessary during arrests.

Discussion on the victims of the drug trade, highlighting drug dealers and users as common targets, leading to violence and misunderstandings in the community.

President Duterte believes that drug addicts or pushers have no place in society as they choose to live in hell and don't want to live anymore. He sees their actions as a choice to transfer to a place of suffering.

There were reports that police officers, particularly in the south, were involved in shootings. Some officers admitted to these actions, while others denied any police involvement.

Drug dealers face severe consequences in the Philippines, with dead bodies found almost daily on the streets of Manila. This includes instances like a tricycle taxi driver being affected by the drug trade.

President Duterte is consciously creating a permission structure to eradicate drug dealers in the Philippines. He aims to hold thousands accountable for their involvement in illegal drug activities.

There is a perception that police shootings, especially in Caloocan, are carried out by 'black sheep' within the police force. Some believe these incidents are not representative of the entire police force's intentions.

A senior officer in Caloocan was fired for failing to solve over half of the killings that occurred in the area. This dismissal came after more than six months of his less effective leadership.

Despite the actions taken in the drug war, individuals acknowledge that no one is perfect, and there is a need for repentance. This reflection emphasizes the complexity and challenges faced in addressing drug-related issues.

The drug war will persist and remain as intense as it was on its inception day. The focus is on maintaining the momentum and not relenting in the fight against drug-related crimes.

Viewers are directed to visit pbs.org/frontline for more information on the ongoing drug war and its impact on society. The platform provides in-depth coverage and analysis of the situation.