Priests in the Philippines are hopeful following the arrest of former President Duterte for crimes related to his anti-drug campaign. Father Flavie Villanueva celebrates progress in seeking justice for victims, while Father Roberto dela Cruz focuses on rehabilitation for drug offenders. Both priests emphasize the need for support and healing for families affected by the violence.
Two Philippine priests closely involved with victims of the anti-drug campaign initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte are monitoring his arrest at the International Criminal Court. They express elation over the news and cautiously hope for justice. Father Flavie Villanueva, who offers support to bereaved families, remarked on the emotional significance of the arrest during a thanksgiving Mass attended by widows of the campaign’s victims.
Human Rights Watch reports over 6,000 official deaths from Duterte’s campaign, while advocates estimate the toll may exceed 30,000. Father Villanueva initiated his work in 2015, establishing the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation amid rising violence. Many impoverished individuals, including teens, were killed in questionable police operations as part of the nationwide drug crackdown.
The tragic case of Kian DeLos Santos, a 17-year-old shot by police, heightened national awareness of the abuses. Evidence contradicted police claims that Kian had engaged in a gunfight, leading to the police officers’ conviction. Father Villanueva and Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David garnered attention for advocating against the violence and faced significant backlash from the government.
Furthering his mission, Father Villanueva developed a program that assists widows through trauma support and legal aid. His initiatives have helped around 350 widows directly, while his model has been adopted by various parishes, impacting approximately 5,000 individuals affected by the campaign. This outreach continues as survivors seek help after losing loved ones in the violence.
Father Roberto dela Cruz concurrently established a program called Sanlakbay, aimed at helping drug addicts and offenders rehabilitate through community support. Understanding the influx of drug-related offenses, he created a cooperative program with the government to provide a supportive environment for recovery. He believes that while Duterte’s arrest is a sign of possible change, accountability remains uncertain due to the prevalent culture of impunity in the Philippines.
Emphasizing rehabilitation over criticism of the campaign, Father dela Cruz prefers to maintain collaboration with authorities for the sake of saving lives. Through Sanlakbay, participants gain support during their recovery, although a significant number relapse. He highlights the challenge of the anti-drug campaign’s enduring effects on communities, noting a rise in drug use since its conclusion. The focus of his program has expanded to include education and plea-bargain rehabilitation for youth, fostering dialogue and understanding without imposing moral judgments.
The recent arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has sparked a cautious optimism among priests working with victims of the anti-drug campaign. Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz emphasize the importance of therapeutic support and rehabilitation for those affected, focusing on restoring lives rather than merely critiquing past actions. These clerics continue to advocate for the accountability of those responsible for the violence, while remaining dedicated to their mission of helping the grieving and supporting rehabilitation efforts in their communities.
Original Source: catholicreview.org
