Philippine Priests’ Reaction to Duterte’s Arrest: Hope for Justice and Change

Two Filipino priests express hope and joy over the arrest of former President Duterte for his role in the anti-drug campaign. They focus on providing psycho-spiritual support to victims’ families, highlighting the need for justice and rehabilitation in the wake of significant loss and violence. Their efforts reflect a broader struggle against systemic injustices and the rising incidence of drug-related issues post-Duterte’s administration.

Two priests in the Philippines, deeply involved in assisting families affected by the anti-drug campaign under former President Rodrigo Duterte, are keenly observing developments following Duterte’s arrest at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The priests express a cautious optimism that justice may finally be served as they celebrate the significant event, viewing it as a potential turning point.

Father Flavie Villanueva articulated the profound emotions felt in the community, stating, “It’s more than victory. In Catholic parlance, it would be allowing us to sing ‘Alleluia’ during the Lenten season.” He commemorated the occasion with a thanksgiving Mass attended by approximately 30 widows whose partners perished due to the violent campaign.

Human Rights Watch reports indicate that over 30,000 deaths occurred during the campaign, despite official government figures stating around 6,000 fatalities. Father Villanueva, who founded the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation in 2015, provides support to victims’ families, particularly targeting those bereaved by the anti-drug operations that often left innocent individuals dead in the streets.

The tragic murder of 17-year-old Kian DeLos Santos in 2017 exemplified the brutality of the campaign, wherein police officers were later convicted for his death, against claims that he engaged them in a firefight. Father Villanueva, alongside Cardinal Pablo David, played a crucial role in drawing national attention to this case, highlighting the clergy’s dissent against the campaign amidst threats and public backlash.

With a focus on holistic support, Father Villanueva has developed a program that combines counseling with spiritual guidance, aiding nearly 350 widows directly, while influencing over 5,000 others through collaborative efforts with parishes and NGOs.

Father Roberto Dela Cruz has also been actively involved with the Sanlakbay program since the inception of Duterte’s administration. This program emphasizes community-based rehabilitation for offenders, incorporating familial support and engagement in the workforce, rather than traditional rehab norms.

Father Dela Cruz refers to the potential consequences of Duterte’s arrest as a sign of hope, emphasizing his desire for the former president to be held accountable. He reflects on the pervasive “culture of impunity” prevalent in the nation, underscoring the need for effective rehabilitation programs over criticism of the government’s actions.

Both priests observe a resurgence of drug-related issues post-Duterte’s term, indicating that the oppressive atmosphere created by the anti-drug campaign has left lasting effects in communities. Father Dela Cruz’s Sanlakbay program, now focused on plea-bargain rehabilitation and youth education, aims to provide a compassionate approach to assisting those affected by substance use issues rather than moral lecturing.

The article highlights the initiatives undertaken by Filipino priests responding to the aftermath of Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign. With Duterte’s recent arrest eliciting mixed emotions, the priests continue their mission to support bereaved families and rehabilitate individuals affected by substance abuse. They advocate for compassionate assistance as a counter-narrative to the violence and systemic injustices witnessed during the violent crackdown, although challenges and resistance remain prevalent in achieving their goals.

Original Source: catholicreview.org