A Torrent of Online Hate: Drug War Victims’ Families Face Renewed Attacks Amidst Duterte’s ICC Trial
The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) move to try former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity was anticipated as a watershed moment for victims of his brutal drug war. However, instead of solace and a path towards justice, the families of those slain are now confronting a new wave of online harassment, hate speech, and even death threats, casting a dark shadow over their pursuit of accountability.
Since Duterte’s arrest warrant was issued, the volume of online vitriol directed at the victims’ families and their advocates has surged dramatically. Sheerah Escudero, whose 18-year-old brother Ephraim was found dead in 2017 under suspicious circumstances, has become a focal point of these attacks. Following her expressed willingness to testify against the former president, Escudero has been subjected to a relentless barrage of hateful messages, including threats of beheading. She has also been targeted by disinformation campaigns, with doctored images circulating online, falsely accusing her of fabricating her story. This online onslaught has reached millions, amplifying the trauma she and other families are enduring.
The orchestrated nature of these online attacks is becoming increasingly evident. Kristina Conti, assistant to counsel at the ICC, who is herself a target of online harassment, joined the families of drug war victims in filing a complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) Cybercrime Division. Conti highlighted the synchronized messaging, similar posting times, and rapid dissemination across various platforms as indicators of a coordinated effort rather than spontaneous expressions of dissent. This organized campaign points to a deliberate strategy to silence and intimidate those seeking justice for the victims.
Whether orchestrated by paid trolls or fervent supporters, the disinformation campaign aims to discredit the victims’ families, invalidate their pain, and undermine their credibility. This calculated assault seeks to manipulate public perception and obstruct the pursuit of justice. Though these attacks are digital, their impact is profoundly real, causing significant psychological distress and retraumatizing families already grappling with the immense grief of losing loved ones. The constant denial of their experiences and the relentless online harassment compound their suffering, demanding immediate action from the NBI to provide protection and investigate the source of these threats.
This disinformation campaign leverages psychological vulnerabilities to achieve its objectives. The illusory truth effect, where repeated exposure to false information leads to its acceptance, is a potent tool. By saturating online spaces with fabricated narratives about individuals like Escudero, the campaign aims to create a semblance of truth, even if initially met with skepticism. Furthermore, the constant barrage of disinformation fosters public fatigue and cynicism, eroding trust in information sources and discouraging civic engagement. This creates a climate where truth becomes muddled, apathy prevails, and accountability is undermined.
The rise of disinformation campaigns represents a dangerous evolution in authoritarian tactics. It bypasses traditional power structures and leverages digital platforms to manipulate public discourse, radicalize supporters, and silence dissent. With a loyal online base, influential figures, and a stream of manipulated content, those with resources can effectively rewrite history and reframe truth as mere opinion. This presents a grave threat to democracy, as the memory of the drug war and the suffering it inflicted could be distorted and ultimately erased from public consciousness. The unchecked spread of disinformation empowers those with malicious intent to manipulate narratives and evade accountability.
Combating this insidious threat requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening media literacy and critical thinking skills are crucial in enabling citizens to discern credible information from deceitful narratives. However, education alone is insufficient. Dismantling the disinformation ecosystem is paramount. This necessitates investigating and prosecuting those who create and disseminate false information, as well as exposing those who orchestrate and finance these campaigns. The fight against disinformation must be recognized as an integral part of the broader struggle for justice and accountability. Failure to address this challenge leaves democracy vulnerable to those who seek to manipulate truth for their own ends. The victims of the drug war and their families deserve not only justice but also protection from the ongoing online attacks that seek to silence their voices and deny their pain. A robust response from law enforcement and a concerted effort to combat disinformation are essential to ensure that the truth prevails and those responsible are held accountable.
