Nonfiction

Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country

Name: Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country
Author: Patricia Evangelista

Patricia Evangelista

27 minAudio9 insights

What you'll learn

•The historical roots of political violence in the Philippines.
•The rise of Rodrigo Duterte and the socio-political climate enabling his presidency.
•The nature and impact of extrajudicial killings under Duterte’s drug war.
•The role of media and journalism in documenting state violence.
•The perspectives and motivations of Duterte’s supporters.
•The ethical and personal challenges faced by reporters covering the drug war.
•The complex interplay of culture, politics, and violence in modern Philippine society.

Who should read this

✓Human rights advocates and activists
✓Students of Southeast Asian politics
✓Journalists and media professionals
✓Readers interested in contemporary memoirs

About this book

A powerful memoir and investigative account of the Philippine drug war's extrajudicial killings under Duterte’s administration, blending personal history with national tragedy.

Did You Know?

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The term 'salvage' in Philippine English uniquely refers to extrajudicial killings, a usage not found in standard English dictionaries.

Audio Summary

Section 1

The Weight of History: How Memory Shapes a Nation

3:45

9 Sections

Preview: The Weight of History: How Memory Shapes a Nation

As we begin this journey through a nation’s shadowed history, it is vital to understand that the present turmoil is deeply rooted in the past. The Philippines, an archipelago rich in culture and resilience, has been shaped by centuries of foreign rule and internal strife. Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1521, bringing with them not only religion but a system of governance that would imprint on the islands for over three centuries. This colonial legacy introduced a complex hierarchy and a struggle for identity that continues to ripple through generations.

After Spain, the United States took control following the Spanish-American War, promising benevolent assimilation but instead tightening its grip through military might and political maneuvering. The Treaty of Paris in 1898 sold the Philippines for $20 million, a transaction that ignored the aspirations of the Filipino people themselves. The echoes of this sale reverberate in the nation’s ongoing quest for sovereignty and justice.

Within this turbulent history, personal stories emerge—like that of a grandfather who witnessed the horrors of World War II, who juggled journalism and survival, and whose choices reflected both pragmatism and fear. His signature on a controversial manifesto supporting a dictatorship exemplifies the complex decisions faced by many during times of repression. These individual narratives help us see the human dimension behind political events.

The celebrated People Power Revolution of 1986 is often remembered as a beacon of hope, a peaceful uprising that toppled a dictator and restored democracy. Yet beneath the jubilant crowds and yellow ribbons lay a fragile peace. Violence, corruption, and political machinations persisted, reminding us that revolutions are but chapters in an ongoing story. The revolution’s aftermath saw the rise of new power structures and the birth of vigilante groups that would later play a dark role in the nation’s future.

Understanding this background is crucial as we move forward to explore how these historical currents converged to create a society where fear, violence, and hope coexist. Memory is not just about the past; it is the lens through which we interpret the present and envision the future. With this foundation, we are ready to delve into the rise of a leader whose promise of order would come at a grave cost.