FACT CHECK: Contrary to claim, media reported Duterte’s drug war hearing statements

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Duterte admitted during the Senate hearing on October 28, 2024, that he encouraged suspects to fight back and that the Davao Death Squad exists, among other admissions

Claim: The media did not report statements made by former president Rodrigo Duterte during a Senate hearing on October 28, 2024, in which he defended his administration’s war on drugs.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: The claim can be found on a Facebook Reels post on March 18 by the page “Briella Reese.” 

The video shows Duterte’s remarks from the Senate hearing, where he expressed support for the police and asserted that he did not order them to kill innocent people. It also includes the following caption: “bkit kya hindi ito binalita ng mga media… intindihin niyo mbuti ang sinsbi ni prrd bka mbuksan isipan nyo” (Why is this not reported by the media… understand carefully what Duterte is saying, maybe your mind will be opened.)  

As of writing, the post already has around 21,400 reactions, 1,900 comments, 33,000 shares, and 3.5 million views. 

The facts: Contrary to the claim, various media outlets have covered in full or in part the October 28, 2024, Senate hearing where Duterte made the statements shown in the Facebook Reels video. These include Rappler, ABS-CBN News, GMA Integrated News, Philstar News, Inquirer.net, Manila Bulletin, and One PH.

In addition, numerous media outlets have published news articles about the said Senate hearing.

On the Senate hearing, Duterte, and the ICC: The video excerpts featured in the Facebook reel show Duterte justifying his drug war directives, claiming that he did not order police to kill innocent people.

During the Senate hearing on the war on drugs, Duterte admitted that he told police to encourage suspects to fight back. He also confirmed the existence of the Davao Death Squad (DDS) and said that some police generals have led death squads, among many other admissions. (READ: Duterte’s admissions during Senate drug war hearing and what they mean) 

That hearing is not the first time that Duterte has issued similar remarks. As far back as 2016, he has already made statements protecting the police and telling police and soldiers to encourage suspects to fight back. (READ: FACT CHECK: Duterte drug war orders not limited to suspects resisting arrest)

The statements made during the 2024 Senate hearing were seen at that time as providing the International Criminal Court (ICC) an additional basis to issue a warrant of arrest against Duterte and others for crimes against humanity. 

Duterte was arrested and transferred to ICC custody on March 11. In the warrant of arrest, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber noted that the killings were “widespread and systematic” and were part of an “organisational policy” during the time that Duterte headed the DDS and a “state policy” during his presidency.

Duterte is now detained at The Hague, Netherlands, and is awaiting the ICC’s confirmation of charges hearing on September 23. – Percival Bueser/ Rappler.com 

Percival Bueser is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.

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