Towards 'sensorial justice': Autoethnographic reflections on the sensory politics of Duterte's war on drugs in the Philippines
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2025
Authors
Antojado, D.
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Journal article
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Contemporary Justice Review, online, 2025; online(4):1-16
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This paper offers an autoethnographic exploration of the sensorial dimensions that underlie support for Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao. By weaving personal narratives with theoretical insights from criminology, and the broader social sciences, the analysis demonstrates how sights, sounds, smells, and tactile experiences shape political perception and social control. It argues that standard legal or policy frameworks often overlook how fear, nostalgia, and belonging are inscribed in lived environments, thereby normalising punitive practices. Building on the emergent field of sensory criminology, this paper calls for the adoption of ‘sensorial justice’ – a perspective attuned to the embodied realities of both victims and supporters of Duterte’s campaign. In light of the ongoing International Criminal Court proceedings, this sensorially oriented lens underscores the urgent need for more holistic and humane strategies that pursue both accountability and genuine community healing. This perspective underscores how embodied experiences guide pathways to justice.
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Copyright 2025 The author(s) (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)