THE resolute Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte has defied all odds to crack down the drug kingpin and narcotic dealers in his nation. He seems to be unmoved in his decision of hunting down the drug top-dogs in his country since being installed as the president in June 30, 2016. Although the intention was to bring about sweeping change, the bold step has created chaos as more than 1900 people have already been killed in drug-related connections. His un-daunting leadership and courage is admired but the big question mark hangs over our head as to whether the verdict is morally justifiable!
The plague of drug abusers has penetrated into almost every neighbourhood of this island country. The raid has been carried and authorized by police personnel on several slum drug infested areas. The ludicrous fact stands that hundreds of high ranking police officers and bureaucrats are linked to this trade and yet actions withheld against them. The petty drug dealers have been raided and ultimately killed but the top branches remains untouched.
The wrestling of this issue in biblical prism will clear our doubts as to whether this controversial judgment is morally approved by God or not. The infliction of punishment upon the wrongdoers is absolutely warranted in the Bible. So to speak, the authorities have been given the sword and guns to slay the wicked (Romans 13:4). The penance serves as a warning for others to curb the evils in the community. But the case in Philippines seems to have gone overboard as secret assassins have been recruited by government in murdering the drug-dealers. The country now is marked by tumult as hatred and suspicion underlines thousands of grief-stricken family.
The sixth commandment of the 10 commandments in Exodus 20:13 reads, “You shall not murder.” The Bible forbids the act of murder, which means the unjustified taking of a person’s life including suicide, abortion, and euthanasia and so forth. Nonetheless, it doesn’t ban all killing as we take on some instances in the Old Testament (OT). The Bible allows for three situations where killing is justified:
Killing in Warfare: Deuteronomy 2:33-34 reads, “The LORD our God delivered him over to us and we struck him down, together with his sons and his whole army. At that time we took all his towns and completely destroyed them–men, women and children. We left no survivors.”The protection of God-given land is to be solemnly honoured and kept unscathed. Many wars and terrors would have been prevented if nations had maintained the God-given law. God at times even commanded the unmerciful annihilation of evil nations.
Self-Defense: If a criminal threatens someone’s life, then it is warranted in the law to kill that criminal on the basis of self-defense, and the courts definitely respect this argument as well. This is also why policemen are justified in killing criminals when the criminal has put someone else’s life in danger, and he will not submit to arrest.
Capital punishment: Genesis 9:5-6 reads, “And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.” This passage implies to us that execution of murderers is indorsed by God Himself. Notice in this case that killing is not only justified, but commanded by God. This passage can also be linked to the situations of warfare and self-defense.
Now that been said, the writer does not concur with the Philippines drug war because it doesn’t fall in line with any of the three points mentioned. The imposition of this drug war may become a disease upon the budding generation in the intensification of hate crimes, violence, revenge and rebellion.“For all who use swords are destroyed by swords,” said Jesus. To this end, the writer pens this short note to stir the Christians today to uphold and remember this island country in prayer.
Vebu Khamo
Seoul Christian University, South Korea.
