Some People Need Killing by Patricia Evangelista - A Memoir of Murder in My Country For more than seven months, the Philippine Daily Inquirer kept a record known as the Kill List, documenting the deceased based on reports from correspondents nationwide. Brief descriptions of the circumstances of death were provided, with entries numbered and arranged chronologically. The victims were individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking or listed on local drug watchlists. The means of their demise were diverse, ranging from targeted assassinations and clandestine disposal of bodies to drive-by shootings, showcasing the grim creativity of the perpetrators. These fatalities were attributed to drug-related activities, constituting extrajudicial killings, which became a prevalent term in public discourse and media coverage. A Senate resolution was prompted to probe into the escalating phenomenon of extrajudicial killings and summary executions of alleged criminals. The term was employed by the press as a descriptor, by victims' families as a harrowing experience, and by critics as an indictment. The sheer magnitude of fatalities under Duterte's administration was staggering, highlighting the challenges of holding the powerful accountable in a nation where impunity often reigns. The author, a journalist who embarked on an investigation into a series of killings during the Philippine drug war, found themselves grappling with ethical dilemmas midway through their assignment. They adopted cautious language and diligently guarded against potential accusations of criminal libel, harboring doubts about the veracity of their findings and continually seeking to fill gaps in their narratives. In October 2018, the author relocated to a wooded estate in upstate New York for a three-month residency, where they were tasked with developing a book proposal. This proposal outlined their background, including their experiences of confronting the aftermath of violence in the wee hours of the morning. Subsequently, the author secured a publishing deal, committing to craft a first-person narrative recounting their observations of the Philippine drug war. The initial manuscript spanned 73,000 words and provided a comprehensive reportage, detailing the circumstances surrounding each death and the scenes of crime. The author's struggle to maintain impartiality stemmed from a misguided pursuit of objectivity and a crisis of conscience. The resulting book transcends mere documentation, evolving into a deeply personal account penned in the author's distinct voice, reflecting their disillusionment with a nation they no longer recognize as their own. They refuse to absolve themselves from complicity in the atrocities committed with the tacit consent of the populace. Here is a Preview of What You Will Get: ⁃ A Detailed Introduction ⁃ A Comprehensive Chapter by Chapter Summary ⁃ Etc Get a copy of this summary and learn about the book.
