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Filipinos Displaced by the Drug War

Ruth Jane Sombrio waits with packed bags at the seaport to leave by ferry to the province, in Manila, Philippines, March 31, 2017. President Rodrigo Duterte's war against drugs have not only killed thousands, but have also displaced many Filipinoseither out of fear or to seek justice for a slain relativeproof that the drug war has caused widespread effects in society. Ruth Jane Sombrio was widowed half a year ago when policemen shot dead her husband Rogie Sebastian in what police say was a drug sting operation. A police report indicates Rogie was killed after he pulled out his gun and got into a shootout with undercover police officers. But Ruth Jane tells a different story: there was no police operation and Rogie was defenseless when armed plainclothes policemen entered their one-room shanty and shot him dead. Ruth Jane's neighbors have advised against filling a formal complaint, lest Rogie's killers come back for her. Following Rogie's death, Ruth Jane spent months hiding in different nearby places out of fear for her life and that of her young children, before she finally decided to ride a ferry to the province to make a fresh start amidst an uncertain future. Luzviminda Siapo was working as a domestic helper in Kuwait when back home, armed men kidnapped and shot dead her son Raymart, a day after a neighbor had complained to village watchmen that Raymart was selling drugs. Raymart couldn't run from his captors even if he wanted tohe was born with bilateral club foot. Luzviminda's employer allowed her to go home, but not without kneeling and kissing her employer's feet. Back home, Luzviminda questioned village and police officials how armed bonnet-clad men chose to target her son just a day after a neighbor filled a complaint on the village blotter. Following Raymart's burial, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald Dela Rosa instructed police to solve Raymart's killing. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/NurPhoto) Raymart as it has eluded thousands more who ha

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