Philippine Priests Celebrate Duterte’s Arrest: Hope for Justice and Rehabilitation
Philippine priests express joy over Duterte’s arrest related to his anti-drug campaign. Father Villanueva focuses on aiding widows through counseling and support programs, while Father dela Cruz implements community-based rehabilitation for drug offenders. Both emphasize the importance of healing and accountability in the face of widespread violence and death.
Two priests in the Philippines are closely observing the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is being detained at the International Criminal Court for his involvement in the anti-drug campaign that resulted in numerous deaths. Their reaction is one of joy and cautious optimism, hoping for justice for the victims. Father Flavie Villanueva expressed this sentiment, stating, “It’s more than victory” and highlighting the emotional significance of this moment for the families affected, particularly the widows he has worked with.
Father Villanueva has been active in serving communities affected by Duterte’s crackdown since 2015, initially focusing on homelessness before expanding his efforts in 2016. His foundation, the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation, aims to support families impacted by the drug war, which has officially reported over 6,000 deaths, though estimates suggest the number may be greater than 30,000.
The tragic case of Kian DeLos Santos, a 17-year-old killed by police in 2017, significantly raised awareness of the human rights violations during Duterte’s term. Villanueva attended Kian’s funeral and leveraged that moment to spark national outrage, bringing attention to the need for accountability amidst the brutal anti-drug operations.
Operating from a psycho-spiritual perspective, Villanueva’s program includes legal support and counseling for bereaved families. This multidimensional approach has directly aided approximately 350 widows and indirectly reached about 5,000 people, underscoring the ongoing impact of Duterte’s policies and the community’s resilience.
Father Roberto dela Cruz also contributes to rehabilitation efforts through the Sanlakbay program tailored for drug offenders. Launched in 2016 in tandem with Duterte’s initiatives, this community-based approach allows participants to engage in rehabilitation while remaining with their families and seeking employment, rather than being confined to rehabilitation centers.
While dela Cruz acknowledges the hope brought by Duterte’s arrest, he stresses the importance of rehabilitation over criticism of the drug war’s violence. He aims to maintain a focus on saving lives rather than confronting the government directly, saying, “For me, it’s a tactical silence” to prioritize the welfare of individuals affected.
The Sanlakbay program, linked to Duterte’s “Tok-hang” operation, has reportedly helped more than 1,350 individuals, although there is a concern regarding a third of them relapsing into drug use. Father dela Cruz emphasizes the importance of listening and supporting participants throughout their recovery journeys, advocating for a compassionate approach rather than moralistic criticism.
As both priests navigate the complex landscape of recovery and justice in the Philippines, they highlight the enduring challenges of drug addiction, the rise in abuse following Duterte’s anti-drug initiatives, and the persistent need for community support and rehabilitation programs that address the root issues.
The arrests of former President Duterte have rekindled hope among victims’ families for justice, especially expressed by priests actively supporting the bereaved and rehabilitating offenders. Through community-based programs like those initiated by Father Villanueva and Father dela Cruz, significant efforts are being made to provide psycho-spiritual support and rehabilitation for those affected. These initiatives highlight the ongoing impact of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign while promoting healing and accountability amidst a culture of impunity.
Original Source: catholicreview.org
