Grieving Families Demand Justice for Children Slain in Duterte’s Brutal Drug War

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, on charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s war on drugs. This event has brought renewed hope for justice to families affected by extrajudicial killings, including those of Emily Soriano and Isabelita Espinosa, who lost their teenage sons in a 2016 massacre in Manila.

The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for accountability regarding the thousands of extrajudicial killings that occurred during his presidency. The war on drugs, launched in 2016, has been widely criticized for its brutality, resulting in the deaths of many innocent civilians, including children. Families like those of Soriano and Espinosa have long sought justice for their losses.

In December 2016, gunmen entered a home in a Manila neighborhood, killing seven people, including three children and a pregnant woman. Among the victims were Angelito Soriano, 15, and Sonny Espinosa, 16, both viewed as innocent by their families. The massacre was part of a larger pattern of violence linked to Duterte’s drug policy.

• Over 30,000 deaths reported during Duterte’s drug war.
• International calls for accountability have increased since 2020.
• Families of victims continue to advocate for justice.

As Duterte faces legal consequences, families affected by the violence express cautious optimism. Isabelita Espinosa stated, “What matters to me now is that justice is served.” The arrest is seen as a crucial step in holding accountable those responsible for the widespread violence and ensuring that such tragedies do not continue.

The arrest of Duterte has reignited discussions about the need for justice for victims of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, highlighting the ongoing struggles of families like Soriano and Espinosa. Their quest for accountability underscores the broader implications of Duterte’s policies and the fight against impunity.