Philippine police drug raids will alienate senate
Significance This follows the August 15-18 PNP raids in and around Manila which saw up to 81 people killed who officially were suspected of involvement in illegal drug-related activities but allegedly resisted arrest. The PNP has been conducting a nationwide crackdown on illegal drugs since President Rodrigo Duterte’s June 2016 inauguration. However, claims of vigilantism and police misconduct abound. Impacts Duterte may again need to halt the drugs war or call for the PNP to investigate itself. Senate drugs hearings could slow other legislation, potentially hitting investor confidence and government spending. Senatorial concern over the killings could translate into bargaining over other administration policy priorities. Going after suspected local 'narco-politicians' will cause local-level administrative instability. Further anti-drug-war protests from young people, the left and religious organisations are likely.