*Dr. Rodolfo John Ortiz Teope, PhD, EdD
There was a conspiracy theory about the state of justice in countries like the Philippines; it became clear that many victims of injustice, feeling betrayed by formal institutions, turned to alternative sources for redress. These
alternatives include insurgent groups and the notorious “riding-in-tandem”
vigilantes. These vigilantes, essentially guns-for-hire operatives who ride
motorcycles, carry out extrajudicial killings and punishments with alarming
frequency and impunity. Their actions, often met with silent approval by desperate
communities, expose the severe dysfunction of the formal justice system.
A critical factor behind this phenomenon is the rampant
corruption and inefficiency within the police force and judiciary. Transparency
International (2024) has extensively documented corruption within Philippine
law enforcement and judicial bodies, leading to a widespread loss of public
trust. Bribery, political interference, and impunity for influential offenders
make the legal system appear as a tool wielded by the powerful rather than a
mechanism to protect ordinary citizens. From what I have studied and observed,
when complaints are disregarded, investigations are stalled, or perpetrators
are freed without consequence, victims feel a deep sense of abandonment and
injustice. Clapham (2002) argues that when the state’s legitimacy erodes due to
such failures, alternative authorities that dispense “rough justice” inevitably
fill the void. In the Philippines, insurgent groups like the New People’s Army
exploit this governance gap by portraying themselves as champions of
marginalized sectors and offering swift, if often harsh, justice where the
state has failed (ResearchGate, n.d.).
Beyond corruption, the inaccessibility of formal legal
processes exacerbates the problem. For impoverished or geographically isolated
individuals, the financial and logistical burdens of legal representation,
court fees, and travel to judicial centers are formidable. Lengthy delays and
convoluted procedures further discourage those seeking timely justice. Jackson
(2011) notes that these barriers push many victims toward extralegal, quicker
alternatives. Insurgent groups frequently serve as de facto arbiters, resolving
disputes, land conflicts, and other grievances by providing immediate, albeit
unofficial, solutions.
The rise of “riding-in-tandem” vigilantes is a particularly
disturbing manifestation of this search for alternative justice. These
anonymous, motorcycle-riding gun-for-hire operatives deliver extrajudicial
punishments that are often fatal. Communities frustrated with ineffective law
enforcement, especially in cases involving drug-related offenses and violent
crimes, may tacitly condone or actively support these vigilante killings (Human
Rights Watch, 2017; Kreuzer, 2017). The stark contrast between the swift,
brutal methods of these vigilantes and the slow, frequently ineffective
official channels illustrates the depth of societal desperation and distrust in
formal institutions.
Further compounding this crisis is a pervasive culture of
impunity. When perpetrators, especially those with political or economic clout,
evade prosecution, it sends a clear signal that the justice system is biased
and ineffective. This entrenched impunity deepens public cynicism and motivates
victims to seek justice outside the state’s control (United Nations Development
Programme [UNDP], n.d.).
From my perspective, addressing these intertwined issues
requires a comprehensive approach. Tackling corruption must be the starting
point, involving independent oversight bodies, stringent accountability
measures, and harsh penalties for corrupt officials across the police,
prosecution, and judiciary (Transparency International, 2024). Improving
accessibility to justice through expanded free legal aid, establishment of
community legal clinics, and simplified legal procedures is essential to
support the poor and marginalized (Open Government Partnership, 2024).
Strengthening law enforcement capacity entails professionalizing police forces,
guaranteeing impartial and thorough investigations, and instituting civilian
oversight to hold perpetrators accountable (UNDP, n.d.).
Additionally, supporting community-based dispute resolution
mechanisms aligned with human rights standards can provide culturally sensitive
and accessible alternatives to formal courts, thus reducing caseloads and
fostering local ownership of justice (UNDP, n.d.). Most importantly, addressing
the root causes of injustice—socioeconomic inequalities, land conflicts, and
political exclusion is critical to reducing the grievances that fuel insurgency
and vigilante justice. A genuine political will to end impunity, including
witness protection programs, is vital to reinforcing the rule of law.
In conclusion, the turn of victims toward insurgents and
riding-in-tandem vigilantes starkly exposes the failures of the formal justice
system. A holistic reform strategy that combats corruption, enhances
accessibility, strengthens law enforcement, and tackles underlying injustices
is imperative. Only by rebuilding public trust and reestablishing the state’s
role as guarantor of justice can we hope to diminish the allure of these
perilous alternatives and build a society where justice is truly accessible to
all.
References
Clapham, C. (2002). Africa and the international system: The
politics of state survival. Cambridge University Press.
Human Rights Watch. (2017, September 7). Philippines: The
“war on drugs”. https://www.hrw.org/.../philippines-war.../bloody-presidency
Jackson, R. (2011). The politics of atrocity and
reconciliation: From terror to trauma. Routledge.
Kreuzer, P. (2017). “If they resist, kill them all”: Police
vigilantism in the Philippines (PRIF Report No. 142). Peace Research Institute
Frankfurt. https://www.ssoar.info/.../ssoar-2016-kreuzer-If_they...
Open Government Partnership. (2024, December 6). Access to
justice. https://www.opengovpartnership.org/.../justice-access-to.../
ResearchGate. (n.d.). Philippines insurgency [PDF]. https://www.researchgate.net/.../357874871_Philippines...
Transparency International. (2024). Corruption in the
Philippines. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corruption_in_the_Philippines
United Nations Development Programme. (n.d.). Rule of law,
justice, security and human rights. https://www.undp.org/.../rule-law-justice-security-and...
