Philippine Priests Respond to Duterte’s Arrest with Hope for Justice

Priests in the Philippines express joy over the arrest of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, who oversaw a deadly anti-drug campaign. Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz are hopeful for justice for affected families amidst ongoing issues of impunity. Their efforts focus on rehabilitation and psychological support for victims’ families, showcasing a commitment to healing in their communities.

Recent developments following the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte have resulted in responses from priests actively working with victims of his controversial anti-drug campaign. Two priests, Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz, express both joy and cautious optimism regarding his detention at the International Criminal Court. They are hopeful that this event will lead to justice for families of victims affected by a policy that has resulted in an alarming number of deaths.

Father Villanueva, a Divine Word priest, reacted to Duterte’s arrest with elation, stating that it felt like a moment of jubilee for many bereaved widows he serves. During a thanksgiving Mass in Quezon City, he gathered approximately 30 widows whose husbands were killed in the drug war. This gathering sought not only to commemorate their loss but also to reinforce communal hope during this difficult time.

Estimates of fatalities from the anti-drug campaign vary widely; while government records indicate over 6,000 deaths, Human Rights Watch suggests the true toll may exceed 30,000. Father Villanueva has dedicated his ministry to supporting victims’ families since Father Villanueva began his apostolate in 2015, focusing on providing basic necessities and psychological support to those affected.

A particularly high-profile case that galvanized public concern was that of Kian DeLos Santos— a 17-year-old shot by police under dubious circumstances. His case brought national attention to the drug policy, resulting in convictions for the officers involved. Father Villanueva, alongside now-Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, played a significant role in advocating for justice and highlighting the devastating effects of Duterte’s drug policies on communities.

To aid bereaved families, Father Villanueva established a program offering psychological and legal support, with a curriculum designed to address grief and trauma. His programs have positively impacted nearly 350 widows directly and have reached approximately 5,000 people through collaborations with other parishes and social agencies, thereby expanding their outreach efforts.

Father dela Cruz has also been involved in rehabilitation efforts since 2016. His Sanlakbay program aims to facilitate the reintegration of drug offenders into society with the support of family. The program’s structure encourages participants to engage in community activities rather than traditional rehab, emphasizing ongoing support and dialogue.

Both priests highlight that while Duterte’s arrest represents a potential shift towards justice, underlying issues of impunity persist in the Philippines. They stress the importance of rehabilitation over solely denouncing the anti-drug campaign, illustrating their commitment to saving lives and fostering transformation.

Operation “Tok-hang” under Duterte’s administration has been criticized for its harsh methods targeting suspected drug users, some of whom ended up hunted down despite expressing willingness to surrender. Father dela Cruz notes that the impact of such operations has left a lingering fear among communities, resulting in rising drug use in impoverished areas.

As the Sanlakbay program continues to evolve, it focuses on integrating rehabilitation with education, showcasing a compassionate approach to dealing with drug offenses. The program engages youth and offers hope for a shared journey toward healing without imposing moral judgments, allowing participants to open up about their experiences while receiving the necessary support.

The arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has elicited supportive responses from clergy working with victims of his anti-drug campaign. Priests Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz are particularly hopeful that this event may lead to justice for many affected families. Through their outreach initiatives, they advocate for psycho-spiritual support, rehabilitation for drug offenders, and hold a vision for a community free from fear and violence. Both priests illuminate the ongoing challenges of impunity while emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in addressing the plight of victims and offenders alike.

Original Source: www.osvnews.com