Philippine Priests Celebrate Duterte’s Arrest Amid Ongoing Struggles for Victims

Two Philippine priests express cautious optimism regarding former President Duterte’s arrest for his role in the deadly anti-drug campaign. They emphasize the need for justice while actively working to support victims’ families through various programs focused on counseling and rehabilitation.

In response to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest at the International Criminal Court, two Philippine priests deeply involved with victims of the anti-drug campaign are monitoring the situation with hope. The priests are, particularly, influenced by the effects of Duterte’s policies during his tenure, from 2016 to 2022, which resulted in substantial casualties from government-led anti-drug initiatives.

Father Flavie Villanueva, a Divine Word priest, expressed his joy upon hearing the news, stating that it felt like a matching jubilation during the Lenten season. To commemorate the moment, he celebrated a thanksgiving Mass in Quezon City with approximately 30 widows whose husbands died as a result of the anti-drug campaign.

According to Human Rights Watch, while the government reports over 6,000 deaths attributed to the anti-drug campaign, advocates estimate the number exceeds 30,000. Villanueva founded the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation in 2015 to assist impoverished individuals as Duterte initiated his campaign, leading to numerous unjust killings, often of innocent individuals.

One pivotal case that highlighted the brutality of Duterte’s policies was the 2017 murder of 17-year-old Kian DeLos Santos. Evidence later disproved police claims of a shootout, revealing that he was unarmed; this case garnered significant backlash against the regime and reinforced Villanueva’s resolve to support bereaved families.

As a part of his outreach, Villanueva has implemented a program for widows, helping nearly 350 individuals through psycho-spiritual counseling while offering legal assistance to combat injustices faced by the victims’ families. His initiatives have expanded into 5,000 additional people through partnerships with local churches and social service agencies.

Another clergyman, Father Roberto dela Cruz of the Archdiocese of Manila, launched the Sanlakbay program aimed at rehabilitation for drug offenders in collaboration with governmental bodies. He acknowledges the deep-rooted culture of impunity in the nation, indicating a frustration with the conditions under which drug offenders are treated but emphasizes the necessity of providing care over condemnation.

Dela Cruz elaborated on the operation branded “Tok-hang,” noting it often resulted in further violence against those who sought to surrender. He pointed out the chilling effects of Duterte’s campaign as drug use has risen in impoverished conditions. Sanlakbay focuses on rehabilitation and education, engaging with high school students and encouraging healing dialogue among participants.

Overall, the sentiments of cautious optimism resonate among these clergy members as Duterte’s arrest serves as a potential milestone toward accountability, although they remain aware of the systemic challenges that persist in the Philippines. The two priests continue their mission to support the victims and their families, emphasizing the importance of community and compassion amidst adversity.

The article encapsulates the emotional response of two Philippine priests to the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Their experiences illustrate the devastating consequences of the anti-drug campaign, which has led to considerable loss of life and trauma in their communities. Through their programs, both priests focus on providing support and rehabilitation to the families affected, highlighting the need for justice and healing in the aftermath of Duterte’s regime.

Original Source: www.osvnews.com