Emergency fund for the families of drug war victims in the Philippines

The so-called drug war in the Philippines, which began in 2016 under Rodrigo Duterte's presidency and continues today, has claimed more than 30,000 lives. Most of the victims, some as young as three years old, were not involved in drugs at all. Almost all of them were poor.

With majority of the victims being breadwinners, their families have been left even more destitute. As they seek justice for their murdered loved ones, they also have to deal with the daily struggle of finding ways to put food on the table and keep their children safe and clothed under a roof.

For the last four years, I've been running Those We Lost, an online memorial for the victims. I've met and kept in touch with some of the victims' families. In our conversations, they've talked about the challenge of staying strong and brave in the midst of their grief while also looking after the remaining members of their families. They're hardworking people, but in a country beset by a failing economy and corruption at the highest level of government, the poor are doomed to a hand-to-mouth existence, no matter how much work they do. Even if they manage to save some money, when a crisis comes along--a medical emergency, an unannounced eviction, or a house being flooded during the monsoon season--that saving can go down the drain quickly. Many find themselves at the mercy of loan sharks. One mother had to borrow PHP10,000 after her son was injured in a cycling accident, and was then charged PHP20,000 by her creditor that she had to pay within three months.

This is why I'm starting this fundraiser. Please help me create a fund for these families to cover necessities ike rent, groceries and electricity, as well as other expenses such as medical and legal bills. I'm currently working with 12 families, but I expect the list to grow longer as I interview more families and coordinate with groups that are helping those in remote areas in the country.

There's no target amount for this fundraiser, but be assured that 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the families. I will provide updates with receipts as we go along.

Please help these families if you can. Even the smallest amount that you can spare will mean a lot to them.

Thank you.

My online memorial: Those We Lost

Rappler article about Those We Lost

Interview with Maria Ressa regarding Those We Lost

Current news on the ICC investigation of the drug war

TIME gallery