Philippine Priests Rejoice Over Duterte’s Arrest, Seek Justice for Victims
Philippine priests celebrate the arrest of former President Duterte, viewing it as a step towards justice for victims of the anti-drug campaign. They provide critical support to families affected by violence and advocate for rehabilitation over punishment. The priests have dedicated programs that deliver psycho-spiritual assistance and legal counsel to bereaved families, aiming to heal the trauma left by Duterte’s policies.
Priests in the Philippines are closely monitoring the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court for his administration’s anti-drug campaign. Two priests, particularly Father Flavie Villanueva, feel a mix of joy and cautious optimism over the event, as it may signify a step toward justice for numerous victims of this campaign. Villanueva shared how he celebrated a Mass for widows affected by the violence of the drug war, describing it as a moment of jubilation amid their ongoing grief.
The anti-drug campaign under Duterte has led to significant fatalities, with estimates suggesting more than 30,000 deaths, despite official government records indicating only 6,000. Father Villanueva established the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation in 2015, aiming to provide support to families affected by the violence. His work became prominent following the high-profile murder of 17-year-old Kian DeLos Santos by police, which sparked outrage and drew attention to the broader implications of Duterte’s drug war.
Villanueva has developed a seven-phase program for bereaved families focusing on psycho-spiritual support and counseling, combining life skills with legal assistance. His foundation has already reached nearly 350 widows directly, extending its support to 5,000 others through partnerships with local parishes and NGOs. The success of this program stems from endorsements by past participants who encourage others affected by the drug war to seek help.
In parallel, Father Roberto dela Cruz has been working with a community-based rehabilitation initiative called Sanlakbay, focused on helping drug offenders through a supportive program. This initiative responds to a need prompted by Duterte’s administration, facilitating rehabilitation while maintaining work and family support. Dela Cruz, also a former addict, views the ongoing legal proceedings against Duterte as a potential shift towards accountability, albeit skeptical of the prevailing culture of impunity in the country.
Duterte’s infamous anti-drug operation, “Tok-hang”, allowed police to confront suspected drug users, leading to significant violence and a high number of extrajudicial killings. Dela Cruz, while stating the operation had an initial impact on helping some addicts, noted an uptick in drug use after its cessation in impoverished neighborhoods. His rehabilitation focus has since shifted to supporting plea-bargain initiatives for drug offenders and conducting educational outreach to local youth, fostering open dialogue to address their challenges.
The recent arrest of Rodrigo Duterte marks a potential turning point for accountability regarding the Philippines’ deadly anti-drug campaign. Priests like Father Villanueva and Father dela Cruz are on the frontline of this societal issue, providing essential support and rehabilitation to victims and offenders alike. Their work addresses the deep trauma inflicted by the drug war while encouraging a broader societal change toward a more humane approach to drug-related issues.
Original Source: www.osvnews.com
