Families of drug war victims have renewed their demand for the Supreme Court (SC) to resolve a pending petition seeking to declare Oplan Double Barrel, the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign, unconstitutional.

In a manifestation and urgent motion, petitioners argue that the consolidated cases continue to present an actual and justiciable controversy, not moot.They requested the SC to issue a writ of amparo, first sought in 2017, and to invalidate Memorandum Circular No.16-2016 (Project Double Barrel) as unconstitutional, invalid, illegal, and unforceable.

Center Law Executive Director Gilbert Andres emphasized that despite amendments to CMC 16-2016 via CMC 1-2017, the original directive remains in effect, allowing police to use it for operations.He stressed the importance of declaring the drug war unconstitutional to prevent its recurrence.The petitioners argue that a SC ruling would affirm the country's judicial system and protect Filipinos' fundamental rights.While the case could strengthen arguments before the International Criminal Court, Andres noted it is a separate matter.

The petition underscores concerns about the legality and human rights implications of the drug war, highlighting the need for judicial intervention to address systemic issues.