Philippine Priests Optimistic Following Duterte’s Arrest for Drug War Crimes
Two Philippine priests are celebrating the arrest of former President Duterte, whom they hope will face justice for the anti-drug campaign resulting in thousands of deaths. They have established programs to support bereaved families, emphasizing rehabilitation and psychosocial support. Despite the arrest, challenges such as a culture of impunity and rising drug use persist in the Philippines.
Two priests in the Philippines, dedicated to supporting families impacted by the government’s anti-drug policies under former President Rodrigo Duterte, are expressing cautious optimism following Duterte’s arrest at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. They are closely observing updates since his March 11 detention, hopeful for potential justice.
Father Flavie Villanueva, celebrating a Mass in Quezon City attended by 30 widows of victims from Duterte’s controversial campaign, articulated the emotional significance of the arrest, stating, “It’s more than victory. In Catholic parlance, it would be allowing us to sing ‘Alleluia.’” Human Rights Watch reports over 30,000 deaths linked to the anti-drug operations, significantly higher than official figures acknowledging 6,000 fatalities.
Father Villanueva, who has been instrumental in supporting the affected families since 2015, established the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation amid the rising violence. This program, which offers both psychosocial support and legal assistance, aims to address the trauma experienced by the families of victims. He elaborated on the program’s intent to empower widows, contrasting their narratives with police reports which often lack authenticity.
The death of 17-year-old Kian DeLos Santos in 2017 became a pivotal case that drew attention to Duterte’s violent policies. Kian’s unjust killing, captured on security footage, galvanized public outrage and calls for accountability, further emphasized by the subsequent conviction of the police officers involved.
Father Villanueva’s foundation has supported around 350 widows directly, with additional outreach impacting 5,000 individuals across various dioceses. Meanwhile, Father Roberto dela Cruz has developed a community-based rehabilitation program, Sanlakbay, for those caught in the drug crisis since the start of Duterte’s administration. His initiative focuses on offering assistance more than criticism of the governmental approach.
Despite the arrests and the potential for change, Father dela Cruz expressed concern regarding the persistent culture of impunity in the Philippines. He noted the difficulty in enacting the rule of law amid a history of elected officials facing corruption allegations yet returning to power.
The “Tok-hang” operation under Duterte was intended to compel suspected drug users and dealers to voluntarily surrender, but has been criticized for instances of police violence against individuals on the watchlist. Father dela Cruz has documented both successes and challenges within his rehabilitation efforts, highlighting the complexities of drug use and recovery in affected communities.
In shifting dynamics, there has been a noted resurgence in drug use after Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, necessitating a reevaluation of strategies to support rehabilitation and education in a non-judgmental environment. Father dela Cruz emphasized the importance of dialogue over moralizing, fostering connection and understanding among participants in his program.
The recent arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has sparked cautious optimism among priests who have been actively supporting victims of his controversial anti-drug campaign. With substantial evidence of the campaign’s brutality, characterized by extensive loss of life, initiatives led by Father Villanueva and Father dela Cruz showcase a commitment to rehabilitation, support, and legal assistance for bereaved families. The ongoing challenges of drug addiction and the impacts of Duterte’s policies underscore the need for comprehensive approaches to healing and justice in the Philippines.
Original Source: www.osvnews.com
