Philippine police say at least 30 “drug dealers” have been killed in the days since Rodrigo Duterte was sworn in as president on Thursday. Manila Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said at least five drug suspects were killed on Sunday alone, in a single gun battle near the presidential palace. Since May 9, at least 100 people have allegedly died in interactions with police, and officials have said they were all suspected rapists, drug dealers, and thieves. The killings have observers skeptical. Edre Olalia, secretary general of the National Union of People’s Lawyers, said, “The apparent serial summary executions of alleged street drug users or petty drug lords which appear sudden, too contrived and predictable must also stop.”
