FACT CHECK: Duterte’s Reported Links to a Drug War Death Squad.

FACT CHECK: Duterte’s Reported Links to a Drug War Death Squad.

On September 15, the International Criminal Court (ICC) authorized an investigation into crimes allegedly committed during the Philippines drug war, which a United Nations report estimated may have resulted in tens of thousands of deaths from 2016 through 2019.

The investigation will not only cover the war on drugs during the tenure of President Rodrigo Duterte, but also killings committed from 2011 to 2016 in the city of Davao, where Duterte served as mayor for parts of more than two decades.

On September 20, Philippines presidential spokesman Harry Roque disputed the idea that Duterte played a role in extrajudicial killings by the so-called “Davao Death Squad” (DDS).

“I investigated the Davao Death Squad. I concluded that while the Davao Death Squad does exist, there is no evidence linking the President to the Davao Death Squad,” Roque told the ABS-CBN News Channel, according to The Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper.

It is unclear which investigation Roque references. In 2015, Roque himself previously pinned killings on Duterte, who has appeared to admit and later deny Davos Death Squad ties. Likewise, former death squad members have claimed Duterte ordered killings.

LINK: www.polygraph.info/a/fact-check-duterte-death-squad-investigation/31473452.html

Watch video on channel
Battle for Istanbul Mayor Could Determine Turkey's Future.

Battle for Istanbul Mayor Could Determine Turkey's Future.

Turkey holds nationwide local elections Sunday, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party looking to regain control of Istanbul, Turkey's main city and his onetime stronghold. As Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, the outcome of the local el...

VOA News -

The Other Half - Immigration Photojournalist - 52 Documentary.

The Other Half - Immigration Photojournalist - 52 Documentary.

For 15 years, Greek photojournalist, Giorgos Moutafis, bears witness to the journey of migrants across the dark crossings of European borders. Witnessing futility, death, and exhaustion from a never-ending struggle, as well as pushbacks, represent...

VOA News -

South Africans Mark 30 Years of Freedom Ahead of Pivotal Poll.

South Africans Mark 30 Years of Freedom Ahead of Pivotal Poll.

It's an important year for South Africa: Not only is the country marking the 30th anniversary of its democracy, 2024 is also an election year. Observers say the polls will be fiercely contested. Kate Bartlett has the story from Johannesburg. Camer...

VOA News -

Anti-bullying Dance Teacher Takes Teens to Cape Town Carnival.

Anti-bullying Dance Teacher Takes Teens to Cape Town Carnival.

A South African who was bullied at high school is celebrating his dance students participating in the colorful Cape Town Carnival. » Subscribe to VOA News: » Watch more VOA News video: Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broad...

VOA News -

Fishy Compost (S3, E26) - 52 Documentary

Fishy Compost (S3, E26) - 52 Documentary

Victoria Pardo of Uruguay is trying to fight climate degradation by turning fish leftovers into compost. However, the local government asked her to leave, saying a fishy smell is impacting tourism. Victoria is determined to continue her mission, e...

VOA News -