PRESS RELEASE: Duterte’s ‘aswang’ still walks among us, and must be wiped out – Duterte Panagutin
KARAPATAN Public Information
*FOR PHOTOS OF THE ACTIVITY, please see attached.
PRESS RELEASE
September 20, 2025
References: Maria SolTaule, KARAPATAN Deputy Secretary General, 09452966916
KARAPATAN Public Information Desk, 0918-9790580
Duterte’s ‘aswang’ still walks among us, and must be wiped out – Duterte Panagutin
“Duterte’s ‘aswang’ still walks among us, and it must be wiped out through truth, accountability, and the organized power of the people.”
The Duterte Panagutin Network, with partner organizations, held a free screening of Alyx Arumpac’s internationally acclaimed documentary film Aswang on Saturday, exposing the terror and impunity of Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody “war on drugs.” A photo exhibit by Raffy Lerma accompanied the film, presenting stark images of grief, loss, and resilience from the communities most affected by the killings.
The film viewing was followed by a talkback session, where families of drug war killings and rights advocates shared their stories and insights on the film, as well as their continuing call for justice.
KARAPATAN deputy secretary general and Duterte Panagutin convenor Atty. Maria Sol Taule underscored the urgency of accountability. “The blood of the thousands killed in Duterte’s drug war continues to cry out for justice. These are not mere numbers but lives stolen—children left orphaned, families torn apart, and communities living in fear. Our call is clear: Duterte must be held accountable, and the state cannot wash its hands of these crimes,” she said.
The Network also denounced the postponement of the September 23 confirmation of charges against Duterte, calling it a calculated move to delay the wheels of justice. “From filing motions that stall proceedings, to spreading lies and resorting to theatrics—including Duterte’s sudden claims of illness—the Dutertes have consistently tried to evade accountability,” Taule added.
In addition to Duterte, organizers emphasized that the "aswang" is the ongoing lack of justice, impunity, and the growing corruption during the Marcos Jr. regime. These "aswangs" prey on the weak while protecting the strong, flourishing in the shadow of state violence.
They also underlined the need to hold both Marcos and Duterte responsible, with Marcos Jr. being held accountable for the thousands of lives lost in his brutal drug campaign for perpetuating corruption, neglect, and repression while protecting his predecessor from justice. “Justice cannot be selective. Both Marcos and Duterte are complicit in deepening the cycle of impunity, and both must answer for their crimes,” the Network declared.
The event formed part of a broader series of protests and advocacy initiatives leading up to the September 21 commemoration of Marcos’ martial law, and in anticipation of legal developments on the charges against Duterte. Organizers said these dates highlight the long continuum of impunity in the Philippines—from Marcos’ dictatorship to Duterte’s drug war, and now under Marcos Jr.—and the unbroken struggle of the Filipino people for truth, justice, and democracy.
“Until justice is served, the aswang of impunity will continue to haunt our nation. It is up to the people to finally drive a stake through it.”
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KARAPATAN is an alliance of human rights organizations and programs, human rights desks and committees of people’s organizations, and individual advocates committed to the defense and promotion of people’s rights and civil liberties. It monitors and documents cases of human rights violations, assists and defends victims and conducts education, training and campaign.
