Priests Celebrate Duterte’s Arrest, Hope for Justice and Healing for Victims

Two priests in the Philippines are celebrating former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, viewing it as a potential step towards justice for victims of his anti-drug campaign. Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz have dedicated their efforts to supporting bereaved families and rehabilitating offenders. Their work underscores the significant societal impact of Duterte’s policies and the urgent need to address the trauma that has resulted from the violence.

Two priests in the Philippines, who have committed themselves to aiding families affected by the anti-drug campaign initiated during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, are closely following his recent arrest by the International Criminal Court. They express a mix of celebration and hope for justice following his capture on March 11 in Manila and subsequent transfer to The Hague.

Father Flavie Villanueva shared, “It’s more than victory. In Catholic parlance, it would be allowing us to sing ‘Alleluia’ during the Lenten season,” highlighting the emotional impact of the arrest, particularly with bereaved widows who lost their husbands to violence during the campaign. Villanueva held a thanksgiving Mass in which over 30 widows participated, celebrating not just the legal action but also the recognition of their suffering.

The extent of the casualties from Duterte’s anti-drug operations is staggering, with Human Rights Watch suggesting fatalities may exceed 30,000, despite official government figures stating 6,000. Father Villanueva’s involvement began early in 2015 with his establishment of the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation, which focused on providing necessary support as the drug war escalated.

His advocacy gained national attention following the notorious 2017 case of Kian DeLos Santos, a teenager whose killing by police was portrayed as a shootout but later revealed to be a brutal execution. With help from Father Villanueva and other clergy, the case sparked public outrage and led to criminal convictions for the responsible officers.

To provide emotional and spiritual support, Father Villanueva developed a comprehensive program for victims’ families, offering them psycho-spiritual counseling and legal assistance to help process their trauma and challenge misleading police narratives. Currently, he has directly supported nearly 350 widows and inspired more outreach through various organizations.

Father Roberto dela Cruz of the Archdiocese of Manila initiated the Sanlakbay program in response to the challenges posed by Duterte’s drug policies. Recognizing the impending waves of drug-related arrests, the program emphasizes community-based rehabilitation rather than traditional rehab models, allowing individuals to work while participating in recovery.

Although Father dela Cruz acknowledges the significance of Duterte’s legal accountability, he expresses deep concerns about the ongoing culture of impunity in the Philippines. His approach focuses on rehabilitation rather than vocal opposition, emphasizing collaboration with authorities to provide safety and support to those seeking assistance.

The Duterte administration’s “Tok-hang” initiative, which pressured suspected drug users to surrender, has left a troubling legacy of violence and intimidation, contributing to increased drug use in impoverished areas since its conclusion. Sanlakbay now aims to promote rehabilitation through plea bargains and educational outreach, providing a compassionate environment that fosters dialogue and understanding with participants.

The recent arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has brought a mixture of hope and elation among priests who are actively working to support families affected by his controversial anti-drug campaign. Fathers Flavie Villanueva and Roberto dela Cruz exemplify a commitment to justice and rehabilitation, focusing on providing emotional and spiritual support to victims and offenders alike. Their efforts highlight the need for accountability and a compassionate approach to addressing the detrimental impacts of Duterte’s policies on society.

Original Source: catholicreview.org