Philippine Priests Express Joy and Cautious Hope Over Duterte’s Arrest

The article discusses the reactions of two Philippine priests, Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz, to the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Both priests have worked extensively with families affected by the anti-drug campaign, expressing cautious optimism for justice while focusing on rehabilitation and support for victims’ families. Their programs aim to address the trauma caused by the war on drugs and promote community healing.

Two priests in the Philippines, Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz, are following the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte with a mix of joy and cautious optimism. They have been deeply involved in assisting families affected by Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, monitoring updates from the International Criminal Court, where Duterte was detained on March 11.

Father Villanueva expressed profound joy, stating, “It’s more than victory; it was a feeling of jubilee, especially when I was with the widows.” The priest celebrated a thanksgiving Mass attended by around thirty widows, reflecting on the heavy toll of the anti-drug war that claimed thousands of lives, with government reports indicating over 6,000 deaths, while advocates suggest the figure may exceed 30,000.

In 2015, Father Villanueva initiated an apostolate to offer essential services to the homeless, which evolved into the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation shortly after Duterte’s controversial drug war was launched. He provides psycho-spiritual support through a structured program focusing on grief counseling and legal assistance, directly aiding approximately 350 widows and reaching an estimated 5,000 individuals affected by the campaign’s violence.

Father dela Cruz has been active since June 2016, implementing the Sanlakbay program to facilitate community-based rehabilitation for drug offenders. His approach emphasizes family support and employment, seeking to provide safety for participants. He characterized the situation surrounding Duterte’s arrest as hopeful but acknowledged the pervasive culture of impunity in the Philippines, stating, “the rule of law is very evasive here.”

While both priests recognize the importance of justice, they prioritize rehabilitation over criticism of the anti-drug policies. Father dela Cruz noted the chilling effect of Duterte’s operations, which has led to increased drug use in impoverished communities. Sanlakbay aims to support individuals in recovery while promoting youth education and safer rehabilitation alternatives.

Father dela Cruz emphasizes the importance of a compassionate approach, stating that his work is about accompanying participants rather than passing moral judgments. The priests’ experiences and programs reflect their commitment to addressing the long-term impacts of the drug war on Filipino society.

The recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte has sparked elation among Catholic priests who have been tirelessly supporting the families affected by the anti-drug campaign. Through their dedicated efforts, both Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz have developed programs that prioritize rehabilitation, legal assistance, and emotional support. Their work highlights the ongoing need for justice and healing in the wake of a tragic period in Philippine history, as they continue to advocate for a more compassionate approach to those impacted by drug-related violence.

Original Source: catholicreview.org