In the Philippines, the toll of President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial drug war has left an indelible mark on countless families, as tragic stories continue to emerge long after his administration. Among the grieving is Luzviminda Siapo, whose son Raymart’s suspicious death highlights not only the heart-wrenching impacts of drug-related violence but also the pressing need for accountability and justice in a society grappling with the legacy of extrajudicial killings. As the newly established Drug War Truth Commission begins its task of uncovering the realities behind these incidents, the voices of victims’ families are finally being amplified, offering a glimmer of hope for reform.
Manila, Philippines – One moment, Luzviminda Siapo was engaging with her teenage son, Raymart; hours later, she would learn of his tragic death under harrowing circumstances. News reached her that Raymart had been found in a semi-abandoned area of their neighborhood, lifeless, and surrounded by a gun and a packet of methamphetamine.
“Upon hearing the news, I demanded proof. The morgue sent me a photo of Raymart, and the blood still appeared fresh—a stark confirmation that he was gone,” she recounted.
This horrific incident occurred in 2017, amidst former President Rodrigo Duterte’s aggressive anti-drug campaign, during which individuals listed on watchlists frequently fell victim to police crackdowns or vigilante violence.
At that time, Luzviminda was diligently working in Kuwait, constrained by a contract that prohibited her return home. For days, she desperately implored her employer to allow her to see her son one last time. “I resorted to kissing her feet, pleading for her empathy,” Luzviminda shared.
Upon her eventual return to the Philippines, Luzviminda went directly to the village hall, where she discovered that a neighbor had lodged a complaint against Raymart, accusing him of cannabis trafficking. Eyewitnesses described how Raymart was seized by 14 masked men who demanded he run. Unable to do so due to a physical ailment, he was ordered to sit before being ruthlessly shot to death.
Raquel Fortun, a forensic pathologist at the University of the Philippines, has been investigating these tragic cases for the Drug War Truth Commission, an independent body established in May to delve into extrajudicial killings associated with Duterte’s campaign. Official accounts state that around 6,000 individuals were killed during this time, while human rights organizations contend the number could be as high as 30,000. In March 2025, Duterte faced arrest by the International Criminal Court, now residing in The Hague as he stands trial for crimes against humanity related to the drug war.
On the day of the hearings, Luzviminda was the first victim’s family member to testify, contributing her story to a public forum aimed at shedding light on these injustices. Speaking to ZezapTV days before her appearance, she expressed a desire not for legal retribution but for understanding