Royina Garma

Duterte's Dangerous Davao Template: The Drug War That Rewarded Murder!

Get the scoop on how Duterte's 'Davao model' turned the war on drugs into a bloody rewards program, straight from Royina Garma!

In a stunning revelation, retired police colonel Royina Garma took center stage at a House inquiry, shedding light on the infamous drug war strategies employed by the former Duterte administration. Garma disclosed that the so-called "Davao model" — a blueprint for extra-judicial killings and a violent approach to the drug problem — was not just a regional tactic but was proposed for nationwide implementation. This model, notorious for encouraging a culture of fear, had led to thousands of deaths and a deeply polarized society.

During her testimony, Garma pointed out that former President Rodrigo Duterte sought her help in finding an officer who could effectively carry out this template across the country. For many Filipinos, the name "Davao" invokes images of a city transformed into a stronghold against drugs, but the underlying implication was chilling: the normalization of killing as a solution. With an emotional display, Garma confirmed that the rewards system for drug war killings was directly linked to Duterte and that they were given instructions to incentivize violence against drug offenders.

Not stopping there, Garma further implicated high-profile figures, including Senator Christopher 'Bong' Go, in a series of state-sanctioned killings that left a significant mark on the nation's psyche. The gravity of her claims rattled lawmakers and citizens alike, as Garma described how officers were urged to carry out heinous acts in the name of a supposed national security. The chilling connection to a broader pattern of abuse reaffirms the horrors faced by countless families affected by this controversial war.

As the inquiry unfolds, many are left wondering about the long-standing effects of the Davao model on Philippine society. The implications of these revelations highlight the need for accountability and reform within the policing and political systems, where rewards for violence could deter justice and promote impunity. With a growing call for transparency, will history repeat itself, or can lessons be learned to create a safer future for all Filipinos?

Interestingly, the Davao city model has been a point of contention and debate, with various human rights organizations pointing to it as a template for tyranny rather than justice. The comprehensive details from Garma’s account may either steer policy changes or ignite more protests — only time will tell. Moreover, the global discourse on drug wars and human rights violations is evolving, urging nations to reassess their strategies while demanding justice for victims of state-sanctioned violence.

In a society recovering from such trauma, it's vital that the voices of victims and advocates are amplified to prevent further tragedies and cultivate a culture of peace and respect for life.