Crystal Meth and Cartels in the Philippines: The Shabu Trap

At the start of 2015, Mexican national Horacio Hernandez Herrera, allegedly third in command of the infamous Sinaloa Cartel, was arrested in the Philippines’ capital, Manila, at the center of a 12 million peso ($255,000) drug bust.
Herrera’s arrest came as Philippine authorities confirmed that not only were Mexico’s cartels vying for a piece of the country’s rapidly growing drugs trade, but forming an alliance with Chinese syndicates to do so.
The Philippines drug of choice? Shabu: A local name for crystal meth, present in over 90 percent of the capital’s neighborhoods.
While shabu’s popularity has skyrocketed in the last decade - partly for its ability to allow the poorest of Filipinos to work longer hours - the drug's grip on Manila has reached crisis point, as unemployment rates remain high and the collusion of gangs with police and local government becomes an every day occurrence.
So, as Herrera awaits trial in the capital, VICE News takes a look at the Philippines drug trade. We visit the Tondo district of Manila, a port area overwhelmed by shabu, to speak to dealers defending their turf and police officers trying to contend with porous borders, stunted judiciary power, and - their most challenging enemy - corruption within their own forces.
Watch "Gangs of El Salvador (Full Length)" - bit.ly/1SLgWUR
Read "The Brother of One of Mexico's Most Wanted Drug Lords Has Been Caught" - bit.ly/1YvtcdD
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[@VICENews]

*WATCH NEXT:* Is Scotland the New Cocaine Capital? - kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2Kzl4WthKaerqs

[@ninrotladiferencia1845]

You got cocaine?

[@pagalbob]

bro use subtitle for yourself too.

[@patrickvillanueva8086]

I'm from the Philippines and maaan i got to say. The reporter got some balls.

[@DIGITALPG]

Is the whole thing about drug use in Philippines exaggeration

[@RyanLBC]

@@DIGITALPG nah if anything the video doesn't come close to how widespread it was before duterte became president.

[@TheZacdes]

NO, just blissfully ignorant of the danger,lol

[@woodsytom675]

I agree with that. I went to Cebu a couple of years ago. No joke in the Philippines.

[@stephendelrosario2257]

Patrick Villanueva and you’re ballless

[@tylerconley6553]

Plot twist, Dude got hooked on Shabu during the making of this film.

[@gabrielbridges7821]

Plot twist im hooked on shabu

[@totovillanueva1026]

This film during before 2016 presidential election

[@aaronandvicky7652]

Actually, a black guy did a documentary on “crack” addiction, and indeed got addicted to “crack” during the filming process. The documentary ended with him living in an apartment that wasn’t fit for a family of insects to be living in, and not able to get clean.

[@kingcasilla8406]

@@aaronandvicky7652 link please bro

[@dannydo6681]

William Moody well it wasn’t a black guy it was a white guy. He’s actually the guy from tiger king as well

[@flixboi6741]

92% pure, that's Heisenberg level

[@jbarral6509]

What is Heisenberg Level?

[@michelejuliano9730]

@@jbarral6509 Walt white

[@flixboi6741]

@@jbarral6509 you wouldn't get it.

[@mrjay3424]

@@jbarral6509 its from a popular TV show titled 'Breaking Bad' a dying chemist and wanted to prolong his life by making high quality meth. Idk haven't watch it yet.

[@glenquagmire4232]

It's TIGHT TIGHT TIGHT... YEAH!! -tuco

[@CisnerosVera]

Psychedelics saved me from years of uncontrollable depression, anxiety, and illicit pills addiction. Imagine carving heavy chains for over a decade and then all of a sudden that burden is gone. Believe it or not, in a couple of years they'll be all over for treatment of mental health related issues.

[@AlvisCampos-uf4qb]

Yes, that's right. I researched and found out that shrooms are very helpful, it has really helps to reduce anxiety and depression. I would love to try magic mushrooms but I can't easily get some, Is there any realiable source I can purchase one?

[@jabulanismith5772]

The trips I've been having have really helped me a lot, I finally feel in control of my emotions and my future and things that used to be mundane to me now seem incredible and full of nuance on top of that I'm way less driven by my ego and I have alot more empathy as well

[@CedenoJose]

@@SchimdAlessioPlease how do I get in touch with him?

[@AdriianMoreira-iq3ih]

Tripping is not really bad but find a good mycologist who will teach you the right things you need to know

[@StoneLogan-dq5hr]

@@SchimdAlessioI feel the same too. I once got my shroom from him and he's a genius. I'm glad to be part of his community.

[@cjdologuin6130]

I'm from the philippines wow for my entire life here your the only reporter who interviews both side and have a direct video while they doing the session and the repack. You have some balls man you got my respect.

[@thelonely1938]

No one care

[@nathanielkristofferlazo5772]

Another pinoy who seeks validation what a tard

[@arshhhh_]

@@thelonely1938 i care

[@kflorence7005]

@@thelonely1938 noone loves you lonely

[@thelonely1938]

@@kflorence7005 HEhehe even for you lol

[@elockster1292]

this guy just driving down the street snitching on anyone he can

[@jendeh1000]

This is one of the funniest comments I have read thus far, well done.

[@lindsayjames3413]

Damn snitching at its finest

[@michaelmccarthy4615]

He not a user or dealer... hes not snitching on anything... those druggy people living around him are effectively ruining his family's life...he doesn't deserve their problems. Those drug dealers can go to hell - by themselves----

[@cooorsbanq4226]

@@justinkassel4000 I've seen a civ get shot for snitching on some trap house

[@roeylagasca8661]

He's a she

[@danielletheresetorrespanal1257]

Kudos to this guy who covered the documentary. Such a brave human!!!!

[@dommerjasonranze]

This documentary holds true only in Philippine areas where the urban poor lives. But if you go to places where the middle and upper class and working citizen lives, you will be shock to learn that druglords have decent daily jobs, active in religious and social communties, doing charities, and most of all they dont need guns and bodyguards to play the game. It's a network deeply seated and deeply rooted that only with a political will and power can destroy it. Purging them would take decades and only time will tell who will win the Drug War. The vigilante or the syndicate. God bless the 🇵🇭.

[@cudacularry2720]

Yup and they don't smoke Shabu.

[@abbiecreate]

It's like that everywhere my friend

[@piercemccauley7079]

No one has ever won the war on drugs

[@benosborne100]

@@piercemccauley7079 Exactly. There will never be a winner on the war on drugs. Voids are filled within days of them being made

[@MrMarinus18]

Indeed, a lot of the best drug traffickers' are not the monsters many people often thing of. They are usually the most unassuming of people. However if you think about it that makes sense cause being very unassuming and non-threatening is a very significant advantage.

[@smug880]

this is unrelated but goddamn as a fellow south east asian i'm always amazed by how many filipinos can speak very fluent english. even though it's not their native language.

[@sorrychangedmyusername3594]

Filipinos are taught english since elementary because of the thomasites (a ship full of american teachers)

[@amangcaya4468]

Because English is one of the preferred languages for instructions in schools (like Science and Mathematics). Various kinds of forms such as job application and government forms are also written in both English and Tagalog. It's actually kind of sad that the majority's knowledge of Spanish language is nearly wiped out.

[@KeyserSoze23]

English is one of the Philippines official languages. Don't be surprised just educate yourself.

[@ebleksantiago6117]

Even Filipinos who didn't finish school can speak and understand English very well. A foreigner can easily ask directions in English on a local. The grammar may not be perfect, but communicating will be effective enough. It's because Philippines is heavily influenced by the Americans since world war 2, even until today. Americans movies and shows, American brands and foods. It's ingrained into the Filipino culture. You can say that pinoys idolize Americans because they see them in movies and commercials, and also pinoy think every American is rich. that's why Filipinos try to emulate Americans. Most Filipinos learn English just by watching movies, they mimic the American actors

[@ebleksantiago6117]

There's a lot of Spanish words in the language of Filipinos because we'll, they enslaved us for like 300 years. Philippines is like the lite latin asia

[@Mom_sBasement]

“Do you have guns?” “Are you willing to kill?” “Are you willing to take a bribe?” Lots of stupid questions from Dorky McDorkface. Can’t believe he made it outta there.

[@bobnewhart4318]

Lmao@mcdorkface

[@robertimmanuel577]

probably too self-conscious to ask better questions. which makes sense because he's in front of this cartels

[@Nub-ny4xo]

Cuz Filipinos are welcoming even crackheads, dealer and cold blooded killer

[@msemmieprice4748]

I want 2 see the movie I'm 57 years old

[@ChaseAcheck408]

@@Nub-ny4xo and you call others racist😆

[@bern8392]

I like Vice News because of the access to these kind of reports

[@banzsanjuan]

scary that this is still a huge problem, I remember my dad was addicted to this drug when I was only 10.

[@MrAlpha-tk5ke]

Is he still using illegal drug?

[@stormmetal2615]

natatandaan ko pa yun kase ako ang source niya dati, sana nagbago na tatay mo

[@funking4569]

Its not as bad as before because the war on drugs campaign really lessen the users and pushers. I live in caloocan and it used to be a drug infested area and you can see thugs everywhere on the street. After the war on drugs caloocan has change, it became more safer and tons of users/pushers were eliminated.

[@phoenix39ful]

This guy is inhaling meth like its nothing.

[@zaineel448]

It really feels like nothing tho

[@ragnarlothbock1828]

It feels nothing really not like Marijuana you get high second smoking

[@hermanman8235]

*BRAIN DAMAGE*

[@moderncrusader9904]

*COLLAPSED LUNGS*

[@louisromulo4250]

Welcome to ph

[@humpreybabas184]

I live in the philippines and this is spot on! they couldnt be more precise with this documentary. the corruption , the lifestyle, the drugs and its effects, its amazing.

[@SaintNick420]

yes

[@extrm161]

. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoXGYoyIpthkbJI more about

[@SaintNick420]

@Good Bye LMAO

[@trocadero1965]

Good reporters shows the essential important best

[@based_mediumchungus1788]

Meth is okay in moderation. LEGALIZE IT already.

[@lordsauron7285]

The kind of journalism the world needs .

[@johnfranciscolloydwilliamj5128]

Thanx for balance reporting..kudos

[@buhbwoylimpo7287]

I hope Vice would do a part 2 on this video and title it Crystal Meth and Cartels in the Philippines 2: Life of Pushers in the hands of Duterte.

[@Meean2006]

Agree!

[@nonsgwapo5914]

...I'm also waiting for this...

[@Unreal_hanruki]

sana nga.

[@jeffp6855]

yeah seriously! i was watching this without paying attention to the date and just realized this was prior to Duterte's election to president

[@IARRCSim]

Great idea. I'd really like to see that. That would answer one of the biggest curiousities about what Duterte is doing. How effective are the mass killings of both users and dealers? How much is Duterte really correcting or hurting the situation? Do they have statistics on typical shabu prices on street in Manila or any place through years? I wonder how much the prices went up since Duterte.

[@randijay]

vice: I fear for the "informants" being shown on camera without enough censor / blur in their voices, body shape, clothes, skin color and how they move. people who know them would more likely still recognize them. just their face covered is not enough... they could end up dead because of this documentary

[@mactrece5133]

That'll teach em not too be ratas and mind there own daanm business

[@danielasuncion1896]

They're probably all dead by now

[@hahahahaha4565]

Ri

[@adamh8368]

Oh well

[@alecpartain6485]

They all look the same

[@jeremygeist7254]

It would take some research and a serious potentially life threatening and scary decision to report on such a story in the first place, no one else from vice got such induction to the game as this fella here did, bravo

[@ke3285]

Its been almost 3 years, after re-watching this I just realized that I grew up in this neighborhood and still visiting this place until now because I have a lot of relatives there 3:50 - 4:20

[@tragic6162]

I have a question, did anything change in yout neighbor hood? Ever since this vid came out or somethin

[@ke3285]

@@tragic6162 well since I am no longer living there I can't really tell. But for what I know some of the drug dealers and addicts from that place have been arrested but the "Dealer" they're pointing in that time stamp was a trike driver I can provide a few news videos where some of the people in this neighborhood were arrested. And I see these people all the time when I was living there

[@ke3285]

@@tragic6162 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gau4aZ97bbRsmM0

[@tragic6162]

@@ke3285 hmm I see

[@user-br8lt9vn4v]

@@tragic6162 a lot has change since this video came out and duterte became the president he basically put all drug addicts to jail or some to heaven well there might be some still out there but it’s not that many unlike the olden days

[@ArningEchanoPH]

I really can't wrap my head around how they were able to get in those places and interview those people.

[@joejordan1259]

Because it's edited and fake think about it drug dealers talking to you on camera yeah right

[@natalybrookz202]

they just pay them a lot of money. its not fake at all. a gram of meth there is probably below 5$ so if vice pays them say 500$ they will risk an interview for that

[@jae2k11yearsago2]

Watch their other documentaries. They have way more dangerous documentaries than this. This probably isn't even on the top 20 most dangerous documentary they've done. VICE is just top tier when it comes to this industry. Hands down to their journalists. Respect!

[@aliaspopeye0163]

@@joejordan1259 maybe but its happening more kidnapping activity started and many drug runners are being capture there has been a shootout like 2 months ago and 5 days ago and a police man got caught planting guns to make the crime scene legit he got arrested afterwards

[@ArningEchanoPH]

@Out Of Context not if you have a severed foot

[@OperationFoxley19441]

Shabu sounds like a planet from star wars.

[@jamestheminorbender4978]

Made of meth

[@Endless20162]

I think it was named because of the Japanese

[@user-ex1ym6re3c]

One thing as a Japanese, how often the term "shabu" used here is how much it's actually damaging people in Japan.

[@realmorgan3075]

The Japanese government created it. Short term goals to rebuild Japan after ww2. Now, the world has to live with that creation. Thanks Germans and Japanese. American military still give it to soldiers to stay awake and do missions. Now Adderall is given to children to pay attention in school. Where will it end?

[@-_J_-]

Everytime I see these videos about documenting my country I always laugh but kinda die a little on the inside because it's as accurate as Simon Häyhä's aim.

[@RuelAustria]

Wow, this guy has balls of steel risking his skin to interview not just users but actual dealers. Amazing work documenting the issue here in the Philippines. I hope this video serves as precedent to our media who keeps turning a blind eye for their convenience.

[@yurr3195]

wtf the media gonna do

[@alreyedits1534]

@@yurr3195 cooperate with the police

[@tantanryuryo5716]

@@yurr3195 not even just the police, literally any rival groups lol

[@Bugsfuckingbunny]

Funny how we're talking on the medium they buy meth from, the internet.

[@TS-1267]

... EVERYONE WANTS TO BE ' LOUIS THEROUX ' 🤓 NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT IS THERE.? HAVE AN APPLE 🍎 ..🖖🤩

[@nissanzamyadtech.4856]

My personal experience from drug abuse is that it turn your world upside down. You became far from family and friends. You will be alone.you can't do normal jobs in Society. You can not be the man that you were be using drugs. You can't think properly and you wish to die at last. İt's a horrible feeling you can't help your self to avoids drug. Thanks God i am now safe because of my family and friends helped me. They have suffered a lot but they didn't quit. Plz don't hate your love ones for being addicted to drugs they have fall in a trap and need serious help. Plz help them

[@khalidlams222]

Underrated comment. Strength and light to you.

[@BillAnt]

It's best to never start to begin with, because it never ends well even if you stop, it's just a bunch of wasted money and misery for both you and your family.

[@penitentiarychances9459]

That poor little puppy and those kids break my heart

[@megaworldmakatibyfreddiede4094]

Philippines improved a lot today! Hello 2022 watchers!

[@Mihail2204]

I think this vide is fake, because they showed a glock 18 which is only available to military and extremely expensive

[@Blacksherman20]

Out of 100 cops, there are only 10 who are good cops. I can totally relate. I live in the Philippines and I can say that this veteran is telling the truth. Although I haven't finished Police Academy, I've done the pre-requisite training before becoming a cop. My classmates are all scum say for a few. They cheat a lot during exams and tests and are really good at lying. You might ask? What does that have to do with being a corrupt cop? Well, let me tell you that what you learn in school is what you bring with you once you graduate. So, what happens if people learn how to cheat in school and take the easy way out? They will also learn how to cheat with their jobs.. Simple as that. That's why I never pursued being a cop because I could already see the future environment I''ll be working in.

[@bigglefty75]

tekashi 69 is in the Philippines

[@MEGASTRIX]

I hope it will change soon. Damn this is kinda sad. But as long as DU30 is the pres there is plenty of hope.

[@batorsagandszerelem4474]

@@MEGASTRIX Nah dude...corruption in the police force had just gotten worse because of Duterte. Duterte does nothing but coddle them. Corrupt police officers have gotten bolder these past years because they think they can do anything without repercussions because Duterte backs them up.

[@MEGASTRIX]

@@batorsagandszerelem4474 Not true bro . Du30 is really strict in cleaning the country. Take a look at this old article from last year. . www.philstar.com/nation/2018/08/03/1839130/pnp-2181-cops-axed-under-duterte

[@Daswassuphomie]

@@MEGASTRIX money talks and that's also from last year.

[@hisoka1577]

police guys starts laughing when he talks about having strong morals to not take bribes, informator just openly says that she wants people in jail and hopes for death penalty to be served in her country as punishment, this isnt going to be one sides

[@35RangoAlfa]

Ik I was like yea this dude definitely accepts bribes

[@peterrae2055]

Very informative opens your eyes, to think about it coming to our streets of scotland.as it will be a matter of time!!

[@azn9636]

"Jesse, kailangan natin magluto ng meth."

[@ajeb7207]

*shabu

[@shoiabrigana]

the informant in 3:28 that lesbian will no longer lives one month or two because of her recognizable identity vice sucks

[@01DOGG01]

+Rudrigo Abrigana Sadly, this is true. That informant is still identifiable even now. But before, you could see the haircut and everything.

[@wasistdortlos]

+Rudrigo Abrigana Yeah...even in this video now that person can be recognized. They should have blurred the t-shirt, too. That seems to be a pretty common mistake among journalists. I'm always wondering how blurring the face should help, when you still can identify a person from other details such as clothes.

[@01DOGG01]

wasistdortlos Yeah exactly. Body features too. There should be a big black box where the informant is, covering ALL parts. They shouldn't even show where they pick up the infomant either, that's really fucking stupid. All those people around there can ID her.

[@thefrosty1925]

Yep. I've never understood why they blur someone's face.. Unless you're half blind or mentally handicapped, you can still pick out somebody's facial features.. If you want to keep someone's identity secret, don't show their face, AND BODY for that fucking matter, at all.. But black the person's face out at least.. Blurring it does fuck all

[@JohnDoe-mv1sm]

I feel sorry for her man. She was just trying to help.

[@dennisdelapena2155]

I grew up and was born in the Philippines, but I moved to the states when I was younger. Sad to see this side of my country, usually the people are very kind and it’s really a beautiful country... hopefully we don’t end up struggling with drugs like Mexico, this is very sad

[@arnoldsarkissian8757]

do not worry president is cleansing

[@thatguynamedflavio9396]

Well Mexico’s cartels have modern day guns and vehicles so I don’t think it will get as bad as Mexico’s drug problem but it still sucks how much drugs can effect countrys

[@reymarckessaguirre5082]

I am not much of a fan of Duterte, in fact, I disagree with a lot of his platforms. But I think Duterte is having a good enough fight to neutralizing dealers. I feel much safer in today's Philippines (when it comes to drugs, of course). But other aspect of Philippine Government, idk.

[@jimmyvendor100]

Only for serious people visit legaldrugvendor.com to order top quality crystal meth

[@watteef5267]

Already happening. President has his fingers in every pocket. Weapon dealers are getting rich. Legalize or lose contol.

[@khalidbinwalidlumenda49]

You are so brave for risking your life in that kind of documentary

[@jeffreym.jabonete1228]

In some places yes this exist i live in the Philippines i haven't have any experiences of seeing somebody getting arrested for drugs but i see a lot on the news.

[@GregSereda]

17:29 didn't even mask the face of the guy Joseph sold meth to. Smooth move, VICE.

[@charliecarl7785]

Yeah keep blaming the only president who's actually doing his job, you yellow turd.

[@AckzaTV]

Yeah i ewas mad about5 how they barely fucking blurred anyones faces. People who live there wpoudl easily be able to strill identiofy all of them, WTF Vice is KNOWN to be snitches! They got El Chapo caught with Seann penn

[@msoda8516]

Charlie Carl In countries and areas with few jobs and opportunity the selling of drugs is a way to make money. Also for some people use it to dull the pain of a miserable lives. Alcohol is just bad and in some cases worst.

[@charliecarl7785]

Alcohol damages the liver. Prohibited drugs like shabu and cocaine damage the brain. Stupid people defend drug peddlers.

[@dmvconartists6657]

Charlie Carl why he gotta be a YELLOW turd tho?

[@jfroobo]

i seriously worry for vices informants...

[@DarkPotatoRus]

@CXVII 117 R those guys who filmed this documentary? source pls :)

[@georgr1684]

@@DarkPotatoRus someone didn't get the joke

[@raphaelalingog7008]

HAHAHAHA TANG INA

[@edilangsultan3522]

@CXVII 117 R And the left strikes again.

[@maryjanehemady4605]

This is really amazing.. I can't believe this.. I think we've gonna put a lot's of simple question into this complicated scenario's.. Example.. how you convince this particular persons to reavealed their places/weapons/and most importantly those prohibited subtances.. Etc etc.. WOOOAHH.. anyway's a two hands up and salute from me..to your braveness men.. YOUR ONE OF A KIND N REAL JOURNALIST... 👏🙌💪

[@marleyboy7732]

Dangerous interviews. I wonder if this camera crew has ever been shot at or close to a deadly situation for doing this like this.

[@ericsmithner3392]

“You must have a strong moral conviction not to be tempted with bribery.” They need to spread this message around the states

[@vividworldproductions4124]

That was all talk lol. All the police in the Philippines is corrupt.

[@AmazeAngeloGames]

Ttrue

[@chan_numblean3801]

Hiding informants face and voice but pretty sure they know his dressing style and body shape... Anyone agrees?

[@muffychao2373]

That's exactly what I was thinking, I'm pretty sure someone will notice him lol!🙄

[@kotetszu1570]

Fyi the lesbian informant is already dead. Thanks to vice 😁😊

[@-da_]

@@kotetszu1570 can you give more information on what happened to this person and who this person was?

[@diorossorozco9558]

True, anyone in your neighborhood is your enemy. Theyre like CCTV cameras scoped at you.

[@kwago7916]

@@kotetszu1570 Dont spread bullshit man. You dont know what happen to him/her.

[@joshuapatrick682]

I wonder if this journalist realizes if he’s caught in a raid during this filming he’s going to a Filipino jail for life..I wouldn’t play those odds, you’d be dead in a few months from some disease from the old world in a Filipino prison, literally bubonic plague has been found in them.

[@trusttheprocess2833]

no they don’t kill media

[@wa_3315]

“The police themselves who are protecting us” what a shame

[@maxnocz]

Great Idea, cover face but reveal tattoo.

[@kylejarvis2517]

Haha right . Theyll just cut it off with a blade hahah😂

[@carloss1938]

@JLupeGGV Angel they have a police alliance and you think they are stupid

[@asj4374]

Hahaahahah

[@thegatesofsleep]

Miguel Carlos They are stupid, just like you’re stupid. The police are cowards and scared to interfere. It’s not an alliance.. Can you even pay attention to the fucking video?

[@PurpleCh4lk]

@Jose Guadalupe Galván Vázquez And in the end it doesn't matter a shit even if they fell. Power vacuum is a thing so it probable that the gang / cartel next door gets business up and running as soon as possible if its predecessor falls.

[@bogartsandiego604]

In the making of this film . they dont know its gonna be bloody drug war for the next president will be Rodrigo Duterte.

[@dumplingexplorer5034]

I just had a stroke reading your comment lmao

[@Dale-dz5ds]

@@dumplingexplorer5034 pake

[@imaginewagons3777]

Galing mag-english ni ateng informant. It's true that some Filipinos are fluent, but we are just shy because we are afraid of judgement from other people.

[@GatCat]

Asks everyone: Why do you think this inexpensive long lasting stimulant is so popular in poverty ridden areas? Have you not heard of Meth bro?!

[@somedudewithglasses2292]

Imagine doing an interview and then you hear "THIS IS THE POLICE!"

[@johngreenwoodoverbeck945]

Imagine if your cameraman or partner make a joke like shouting "THIS IS THE POLICE!"

[@averagecommenter3006]

Nah they have permission

[@amazeangelogames3165]

@@johngreenwoodoverbeck945 🤣

[@erictheblackcat8204]

Those guys were kinda clumsy with their guns no?

[@zsull2390]

they dont care shots if there clumsy. they know one shot of a shotgun close range and most people are dead

[@Bryian1125]

@@zsull2390 *im sure they're going to be very concered about their accuracy when shooting multiple targets without controlling their recoil*

[@zsull2390]

@@Bryian1125 there not there to have a shot out its bad for business and not against cops either brings to much attention.

[@Bryian1125]

@@zsull2390 Im talking about the very likely posibility that they have to shoot multiple people when a rival group enters gang territory *Not an assasination lmao*

[@zsull2390]

@@Bryian1125 they couldn't give a shit anyway they got rounds and rounds

[@drulee897]

Dudes rockin that glock 18c w/ that full auto switch

[@MultiSpur]

This video is 8 years old as I watched this. How is the situation in the Philippines now? Any improvement or still the same?

[@iangoldsworthy2056]

It's like GTA in real life.

[@unelectedbureaucrat2003]

GTA Manila would be sick

[@thechenglord1038]

You have no idea mate. Living here is so much more exciting.

[@catzor4795]

Sleeping Dogs in Manila would be godlike.

[@madmarvshighwaywarrior2870]

Then you get to play Jeepney missions. And bet on cockfighting.

[@No-Pressure-Only-Results]

Why? Gta?

[@wasistdortlos]

When interviewing that police chief at around 14:24 shortly after he himself mentioned "corruption" Vice zooms on his watch....

[@honzarox]

+wasistdortlos Looks like a U-Boat watch...not cheap at all

[@wasistdortlos]

Yeah...that's what I thought...might raise questions..

[@anthonydelara319]

+honzarox probably a fake

[@sckuaicdk]

+wasistdortlos looks cheap to as it doesn't look appealing, might as well probably fake.

[@jimdavis081]

Nah, looks like just Fossil. A budget watch.

[@kalinovskiy1984]

Make a new film please. What changed after 5 years. Thank you

[@xvrexzii4715]

By the way the “informant” in this show died a week later, she wore the same shirt and a spotter spotted it and reported it to there gang. They hunted them down and after a small gun battle they ran away

[@elijahpascual2505]

Good. They should kill the informants family too

[@garciagarrickace8001]

This reporter deserves an award. He has the balls to talk to the users while smoking meth👍👍👍👍👍

[@masterricks2622]

You never know if they really a user and dealer. Maybe they're Cops.

[@rappydope5975]

That’s scripted bro.

[@aliaspopeye0163]

@@rappydope5975 maybe but what they were saying were true theres like lots of bodies in the streets of manila with a sign on their bodies sometimes they dont even have a head

[@cudacularry2720]

@@masterricks2622 yeah, we know how every fake westerner media works. They're worst than a toilet paper.

[@marlonmina2145]

How they zoomed on his watch after he said "the pillars of corruption"

[@escoltafortuna]

Not defending these cops but the brass can afford these luxuries since the president doubled their salary.

[@skittletit8138]

i wonder where i can make contact with these dealers id be so happy

[@richyq1774]

Incredible journalism

[@jdouglas5657]

Snitch probably owed money "I've been in the house"

[@michaelblack3659]

Need you to send it to fla

[@bobsilence4789]

you are right

[@DoritosResidue]

That's crazy how far the Mexican cartels go. They need a documentary about thier involvement in other countries. Very interesting

[@grunttheaussie2440]

@Kapt'n Pee aren't they just only early days too just fine tuning bringing here I think

[@mandoes2272]

@Kapt'n Pee Sinaloa 🇲🇽🇲🇽

[@seyiesoul3104]

@@mandoes2272 you shall be jailed my brother I am really sorry we have already tracked you down

[@mandoes2272]

@@seyiesoul3104 Wtf u talking about dummy?? He mis spelled Sinaloa so I corrected him🤦🏽‍♂️

[@seyiesoul3104]

@@mandoes2272 be careful with what you type n just watch every move you make I've already entered your systems

[@hoops2136]

I'm wondering how the translator felt in that moment.

[@JackHarper5]

I lived in Philippines for 2 years.. and this was spot on right

[@allencruise6299]

So detailed and accurate. This guy is ballsy enough to go through the inner workings of poverty-striken part of Manila and interview low-level players. Maybe being from the outside (a foreigner) helped getting the trust of these low-level narcos. Shabu, or poor man's cocaine, destroyed countless number of families and the society.

[@based_mediumchungus1788]

meth is okay in moderation, just legalize it.

[@jessicabrock8800]

@@based_mediumchungus1788 I can sense sarcasm but all drugs are okay in moderation. The violence comes from prohibition and the theft comes from desperation. No one is stealing money for drugs if they have plenty of drugs. If people want to do dangerous things to themselves they should be allowed to. We allow people to get alcohol poisoning and jump from planes not to mention risk their lives and die in the military.

[@jessicabrock8800]

Meth didn’t destroy anything. The people did that. Millions of people are prescribed amphetamines and aren’t destroying their families. You can use meth the same way. The problem is when you have a disgusting person and introduce a super addictive drug into their lives it often allows them to be the person they really are without hiding it anymore.

[@HitmanFPS]

After seeing that regular smg you would think they are low-level, but you see at 9:14 this man has a Glock 18 (where even high level narcos have a hard time finding this machine pistol due to it being rare and available only to military and police) this man is just highly connected 💀

[@martinaustin6230]

Wow they actually did a better job of blurring their faces in this re-upload. They actually read their comments?

[@Lost_Hermetics]

My heart just got broken watching this, i love Filipino people, they are good hearted, hard working , unlucky people fighting to survive in poverty for ages.. my prayers 🙏🏻💎🧿🇹🇷

[@richardb6510]

You have to stop the corruption within the system.

[@tixu4974]

14:22 when the police dude starts talking about corruption, they zoom in on his bling ass watch.

[@zak.886]

Ti Xu yeah so?

[@eloisejingco1422]

Dude...

[@Schooner77]

@@zak.886 I'm guessing he means some are Corrupt

[@chevvvv]

@@Schooner77 how?

[@Schooner77]

@@chevvvv Ti Xu comment about police talking about corruption then the camera zooms in on his bling ass watch, One would assume they're are portraying this officer to be more than a tik tok candidate

[@candymadeofdrugs]

10:00 and you're ready to kill to protect your business? god these VICE reporters are a joke, even the drug dealers laughed at his lame ass. I only like Hamilton

[@kittigt3027]

Lyle Lanley even Thomas is good

[@JasonBlack66]

INXS's very early album was called Shabu Shaba (I think it might have even been their first Album) I wonder if they were talkin' about this stuff?

[@nidomina7842]

Now ko lng nakita ang videong ito, ilang taon na pala ito!

[@luisc.397]

This really opens up a new perspective on drugs. As said in this documentary, many do it for money, some do it because of peer pressure, and some do it because they are neglected. With this information, we understand that we have to take another approach at reducing drug usage. We have to help people, we have to give them attention, and we have to strengthen them.

[@shoaibsiddiq3507]

You must be daydreaming. Those things can never exist in this world. We have to punish the Drug Addicts along will the dealers

[@aliaspopeye0163]

@@shoaibsiddiq3507 kill the source first

[@JosePerez-pk7cm]

@@shoaibsiddiq3507 and we have to punish you for argument stupid opinion

[@notreallyaniceguytho1648]

Tf did you just say?

[@Roodsteam]

Gov could legalize it and sell it on their own instead of fighting and killing over it by now. Its a fight they cannot win.

[@arvieleccionmtb3938]

how the hell did this guy got himself communicating with those guys. like man . too much risk involved dude

[@ricardosouza3119]

He Just had a whole country hooked on his stuff, imagine the money he made

[@Tex-jc5gj]

Wow that is cheap. In Portland Oregon 9 grams of it currently costs about $300.

[@khalidsangcopan3164]

Fun fact. Journalists can easily find those drug traffickers, but the police seems its so hard. Lol

[@francotiradorfilipino9057]

Journalists: police is slow also journalists: finds criminals easily

[@trusttheprocess2833]

police can find criminal easily and drug traffickers it’s just they can’t get money from them that’s why as much as possible they are hunting some druglords since druglords pay more in exchange of freedom,and oh some police are drug protectors,even some of them have children that are selling drugs.

[@jasongerona11]

The reporter is already high being with those addics due to second hand smoke

[@nelsonherrmann5064]

As an ex meth head, thats not how it works you can be in a room filled with it and it wont really do much, you need a propper hit to do anything at all.

[@ronaldjosephfernandez3723]

500 nga kulang pa 😂😂

[@philippianmabalot4687]

you cant get contact high with shabu

[@philippianmabalot4687]

what he described as contact high was just a placebo effect

[@boboamp]

Get ng dos, follow up ng piso.

[@macbuff81]

The fact that the state in the form of the police seem to be heavily in the drug trade says a lot. Systemic corruption like that combined with widespread poverty provide continuing feeding ground for the drug sellers/murderers. At the same time it is good to see that the police leadership is openly acknowledging the corruption within their ranks. It's an important first step in potentially stemming the tide and perhaps turning things around

[@amazeangelogames3165]

True

[@juvelieanncatalogo7584]

this man should atleast interview a high level drug pusher, but yeah that takes a big risk. salute to this man for being brave to go interview this kind of pips

[@josephramos3140]

i am surprised you could cover this Drug Syndicate and went out safely

[@trapgoose638]

Ahhh yes, back when vice reported things actually worth watching 😌

[@mattdoherty7733]

GOOSEBUMPS

[@lilice9275]

love the pfp, G59

[@brodyhanna7443]

G*59 till the grave

[@commander_goose5434]

I swear, some idiot says this on every video.

[@davids-k1056]

Being poor in the Phillipines is different than most other places, spent a while there and in this video they say 25% of people are living in poverty, if you walk around manilla for a day you'd probably estimate closer to 75% The outer provinces are even worse especially up north

[@mykeswaggins9330]

david S-K Manila is the worst. I've been all over the country and poor people on provinces at least not living in dirty slums in Manila

[@arielbrillantes8783]

You dont know nothing. Just by looking??

[@SlimTK]

Im from the northern side of the country, i like it better here. We have less meth, although we do have lots of marijuana. Meth is way more dangerous tho, messes up the brain. I hope they dont bring up the meth business up in here. Im glad our president Duterte is doing his part to destroy these drug cartels.

[@davids-k1056]

@@SlimTK just spent a month on the north tip of the island, wasn't nearly as bad as manilla but still overwhelming poor

[@davids-k1056]

@@mykeswaggins9330 yeah it's definitely worse for meth in manilla I'm just talking about the poverty level in general across the country

[@KG-Brozylad]

You didn't blur out the guys face who got the stuff from the guy on the bike.

[@YTAppLoader]

Best video ever

[@alysonaco8503]

"No, they leave us alone because they don't want to get involved, they'll just wait for it to finish and that's when they'll arrive" 😩

[@johnmark3990]

Watching them shoot was just sad... Y'all need some training

[@Rhythmicons]

The cop?

[@cullenholloway8377]

@@Rhythmicons all of em

[@luffydragneel2100]

John mark Philippines shooting team “manunudla” will just laugh at you. Even USA & British soldiers were beaten in competition.

[@audioxix]

@@luffydragneel2100 Yeah because the British and American military don't have competitions for their marksmen. What's the point in competing against pre-determined courses ? That's not reality. What makes a marksman is how they tackle real combat situations, not how they shoot at the range. Whilst the Philippine army is busy avoiding conflict and shooting targets, the British and American Special forces are out doing operations in reality and getting results. 5 members of the SAS would make a mockery out of they whole of the Philippine army. That is not me hating, that is just straight up facts. The SAS are one of the most elite special forces in the world and have a track record of excellence. Look how long it took the Philippine army to get back a city that was taken over by jihadist fighters. You guys where absolute clueless and out of your depth. Guerrilla terrorist sell made a mockery out of your army. So much so that you had to get America to come and help you guys out. Ask your soldiers as well, there is many documentaries with them during the conflict telling the world how much they where struggling. I've never seen the SAS or American special forces or the green berets begging other countries for help. Hell these guys are ones that go head first into trouble and most of the world doesn't even know the operations they have going word-wide. So sorry to say but the British elite forces, as the Americans would just laugh at your shooting team. Maybe next time you can pick actual special force operatives and not just some random army representatives. Oh and thank the Americans for helping you get marawi back from mere terrorist fighters and not combat veterans lol. If it wasn't for the Americans coming in and taking charge of your tactical approach, giving you intel and reconnaissance and showing you how it's done. You would have never get that city back. Your Army where out of their depth. Maybe if you spend less time focusing on Military competition and shooting drills and actually getting battle experience, then the people of Marawi would have never had so many innocents killed due to your Army being not trained enough to handle that situation.

[@jeffmcfaniel169]

Dude lost his balance from one shot with the 12 gauge.

[@dexyoutube1367]

I'm from philippines, salute to this guy risking his own life, just to document and to interview some drug users and drug dealers here in phil. what a balls of steel sir.

[@stevelawson68]

I was in Cebu 3 weeks ago driving downtown in a taxi at night. The driver told me that before Duterte, it was very dangerous down there, even for Filipinos. They were selling drugs on every corner. People being mugged and murdered raped etc. He told me 3 months after Duterte was elected, it all disappeared. The city has been clean to this day. The only way to deal with evil is with evil. I wish we could do the same in the USA.

[@chriscastro5177]

Does the reporter speak or understand Tagalog? Or maybe there’s a translator but they edit and cut it out

[@argusplays15]

Man, i salute to you. It is very risky to do this kind of documentary, especially in my country because theses kind of people really sneaky if they wanted to kill you any moment. Thank you for your sacrifice

[@Draper811]

“ Do Drug dealers have weapons”? 😂😂😂😂😂😂 wtf vice....

[@clicker125]

nope.its just a water gun 🤣

[@joemariebaloyo7000]

@@clicker125 yes almost

[@hugostiglitz8681]

Is this a breaking bad reference?

[@merk.9285]

When first user said he was drunk then tried it and got goosebumps and energy. Makes my heart skip a beat everytime I hear or think about smoking meth. Even tho it was never my drug of choice/ mine being downers such as opiate and benzos. But meth is something else..its a whole another demon...u dont have to like stimulants to get hooked on it..u take a hit and bam ur hair stands on your head before u blow out the cloud all the way..ugh..so glad I havent dabbled with it in 4 years.

[@lukehanlon3814]

Sounds like you wanna hit buddy😂

[@JCarey-uv3bb]

15 yrs for me. Good luck with your sobriety.

[@turdfurg47]

I feel bad for the cop doing the interview. He was most definitely killed after this was put out

[@fredgabrieljulesmero1273]

@Random Filipino Dude agree.

[@imthebmf23]

Come on man Don't be such a baby

[@Vestegnenforlife]

@@imthebmf23 tf u mean baby? Ure the one Who would cry ure eyes out if u Got tortured...dont act so Big behind a screen

[@pdenigma9444]

I don't think he was killed, he didn't point names anyway, he was just spitting facts everyone already knew back then.

[@anton_c8gur]

cops are the drug managers

[@Verinius]

I'm actually amazed that the dealers agreed to be interviewed by a foreigner for some documentary which can be viewed online. I've never seen a documentary like this in the local news channels. Never. Well done, VICE News.

[@BillAnt]

Well, these were likely some low/street level dealers happy to be on camera, it's basically free advertisement for them. hehe

[@Verinius]

@@BillAnt Maybe yeah

[@aliaspopeye0163]

@@BillAnt imagine the big ones

[@eichirochannelboomoriginal7475]

Subscribed for their sacrifices!

[@barcahebo.3637]

I think they pay them good

[@Basta11]

How they doing now?

[@lilgod410]

250 dollors for 9 grams ?!!!!!!!!!!! in iran per gram is 7 dollars ? and im upset cause before fuking taliban is was just 3 dollors

[@ponyboygolden963]

I really enjoyed this reporter. Was able to get both perspectives without adding his personal opinion all while staying extremely respectful and informative.

[@mariobastidas3102]

I like a good reporter that just reports and don't mix in his feelings or opinion to the subject!

[@Crypto907]

7:45 he high off the people smoking meth around him

[@Winston_Chu]

What is that bottle called at 7:42