Philippines police turn to puppets in the war on drugs

A puppet show for school children warning them about the dangers of drug-use, another way of waging war against drugs

Since taking charge two months ago President Rodrigo Duterte has waged a brutal campaign against criminals.

The authorities, however, insist its not their only approach.

“This is part of our programme to convince and maintain the safety of our people, especially those who have not been subjected to vices by reminding them of the effects of illegal drugs”,Philippines National Police Community Relations group chief, Remigio Sedanto, says.

But one student theatre group in Manila, strongly opposed to the new president’s methods, has put on a play to show the impact of the hardline anti-drug policy. “It showed us that the victims of extrajudicial killings, they are not just names or faceless figures, they are real people, they have names and they are victims as well”, stressed Victoria Uy, a college student.

Police chiefs in Philippines have admitted killing hundreds of drug suspects since July.

Earlier this month, Duterte threatened to leave the UN after it criticised his zero tolerance methods.