Philippine priests Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz express hope in response to the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. They work to support victims’ families and promote rehabilitation following Duterte’s deadly anti-drug campaign. Villanueva reports reaching hundreds of widows, while Dela Cruz emphasizes community-based recovery amidst rising drug use and ongoing impunity.
Two Philippine priests are expressing cautious enthusiasm regarding the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who faced accusations regarding his controversial anti-drug campaign. Their heartfelt sentiments emerged following Duterte’s detainment on March 11, at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, which they hope signifies a step toward justice for the victims of this campaign.
Father Flavie Villanueva, a Divine Word priest, conveyed that this event felt like a jubilant moment, likening it to a celebration during the Lenten season. He led a Mass attended by 30 widows of victims who were murdered during Duterte’s term, amidst a larger narrative of systemic violence that resulted in an estimated 30,000 deaths—far exceeding the government’s reported figures of over 6,000.
Beginning his mission in homeless outreach in 2015, Father Villanueva founded the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation just as Duterte’s severe anti-drug measures were implemented. Tragically, many victims, primarily impoverished individuals, fell prey to extrajudicial killings, often found dead in their neighborhoods amidst claims of police shootouts.
The 2017 incident involving 17-year-old Kian DeLos Santos, who was murdered by police, catalyzed national outrage and intensified public scrutiny of the drug war. This case prominently featured Father Villanueva, who was instrumental in advocating for justice, despite facing significant risks including direct threats.
To assist bereaved families, Father Villanueva developed a seven-phase program that combines spiritual counseling with practical legal aid, addressing grief and trauma. His initiatives have reached around 350 widows directly, expanding to include support for an additional 5,000 individuals affected by the anti-drug campaign.
Father Roberto dela Cruz has also contributed significantly to rehabilitation efforts through the Sanlakbay program, which he initiated in response to the administration’s drug policies. By focusing on community-based rehabilitation, the program has welcomed over 1,350 participants, although it has reported some relapses into drug use.
Despite perceiving Duterte’s situation as a potential turning point, Father dela Cruz underscores the persistent challenges faced in the Philippines, particularly the enduring culture of impunity. While aiming to rehabilitate those affected by drug issues, he remains cautious in vocalizing criticism of the campaign.
Duterte’s controversial “Tok-hang” operation often targeted individuals on watchlists, and while the Sanlakbay program has been partially effective, it highlights ongoing struggles with rising drug use in impoverished areas since the program’s cessation. Both priests embody a commitment not only to participate in rehabilitation efforts but also to approach those affected with understanding and compassion, while striving for systemic change in their communities.
The arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has sparked cautious optimism among priests working with victims of his administration’s anti-drug campaign. Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz aim to provide lasting support and rehabilitation for those affected by the violence of this campaign. The need for accountability remains pressing as they continue their efforts to heal grieving families and facilitate community recovery amidst a backdrop of deep-rooted societal issues.
Original Source: www.osvnews.com
