Filipino Bishops View Duterte’s Arrest as Step Towards Accountability

Filipino Bishops have welcomed the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte as a significant move toward accountability for crimes against humanity, particularly his deadly drug war. His detention has sparked reactions from the Catholic Church and human rights organizations, emphasizing a need for justice for victims and adherence to the rule of law.

In the Philippines, Catholic Bishops have expressed support for the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, characterizing it as a critical step towards accountability for crimes against humanity. Duterte was detained at Manila airport on March 11 following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant linked to his controversial anti-drug campaign, which reportedly led to thousands of extrajudicial killings during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. His extradition to The Hague has garnered positive reactions from the church and human rights advocates.

Duterte’s administration faced severe allegations regarding his ‘war on drugs’, with thousands of suspected drug offenders, particularly young men from marginalized communities, reportedly killed by rogue police units and hired assassins. Although official police reports indicate over 6,200 extrajudicial killings, independent estimates suggest the figure exceeds 12,000 and could be as high as 30,000. The ICC investigation examines events from 2011 to 2019, particularly during Duterte’s tenure as mayor of Davao.

The arrest has been welcomed by various stakeholders. Bishop Gerardo Alminaza highlighted that the violence perpetrated during Duterte’s rule was systematic and violated the fundamental right to life. Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo stated that the arrest represents a vital move towards justice and called on Duterte to acknowledge his past assertions regarding accountability for his actions.

The humanitarian branch of the Catholic Church underscored the urgent need for truth and reparations for the victims of Duterte’s policies. It marked the arrest as a watershed moment, calling on Filipinos to ensure that such events do not recur and to uphold the rule of law. Bishop Broderick Pabillo noted that while the arrest does not imply guilt, it is crucial to investigate the crimes that took place under Duterte’s watch.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, echoed the sentiments of the church, viewing the arrest as a pivotal moment for accountability in the Philippines. Despite Duterte’s claims that the ICC lacks jurisdiction following his withdrawal in 2019, advocacy groups argue that the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed prior to a nation’s exit.

The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte is viewed by Filipino Bishops and human rights advocates as a significant advancement towards accountability for human rights violations during his presidency. It underscores the necessity for truth, justice, and reparations for victims, reinforcing the principle that no individual is above the law. As reactions from various sectors reflect, this event could herald a new era of respect for human rights in the Philippines.

Original Source: www.vaticannews.va