Filipino Bishops Praise Duterte’s Arrest as a Step Toward Justice and Accountability
Filipino bishops welcome the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity, viewing it as a significant step towards accountability and justice for human rights violations during his administration, particularly regarding his controversial ‘war on drugs’.
Filipino bishops have expressed their approval of the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on charges of crimes against humanity, viewing it as a significant stride towards accountability and a potential precedent for addressing human rights violations in the Philippines. His detention at Manila airport on March 11 follows an ICC warrant linked to a protracted investigation into his controversial “war on drugs” that spanned his administration from 2016 to 2022.
Duterte has faced numerous allegations of extrajudicial killings, with thousands of purported drug suspects reportedly executed during his presidency, predominantly young men from impoverished backgrounds, often at the hands of corrupt police officers and hired assassins. Official police data cites over 6,200 extrajudicial killings, although independent organizations estimate the figures could range from 12,000 to 30,000, with many victims from urban poor communities.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation spans from 2011 to 2019, encompassing the time when Duterte was the mayor of Davao City, where his family has held political power for many years. His extradition to The Hague has garnered widespread support from the Catholic Church, human rights organizations, and victims’ families, whereas his supporters perceive the arrest as an unjust persecution of a leader who enhanced national safety.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, of Caritas Philippines, articulated that the killings were part of a systematic policy undermining the right to life rather than random acts of violence. Complaints to the ICC allege Duterte maintained a “death squad” for targeting drug suspects in Davao, a strategy he reportedly expanded nationally as president. Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo emphasized that Duterte’s arrest is a pivotal step towards justice for the victims, stating, “True justice… is about accountability, transparency, and the protection of human dignity.”
On March 11, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church highlighted the need for truth, reparations, and justice for victims, calling the arrest a landmark moment for the nation. During Duterte’s presidency, the Church frequently criticized his brutal crackdown on drugs. Bishop Broderick Pabillo acknowledged that while the arrest does not imply guilt, the crimes under Duterte’s leadership warrant thorough investigation. He asserted, “That is what democracy should be—no one is above the law, and everyone must answer for their actions.”
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have supported the notion that this arrest is a crucial move toward accountability in the Philippines. Although Duterte has previously asserted that the ICC lacks jurisdiction following his withdrawal from the tribunal in 2019, activist lawyer Aaron Pedrosa noted that according to the Rome Statute, the ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes committed prior to a nation’s exit from the court.
In summary, the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte has been welcomed by Filipino bishops as a crucial step toward accountability regarding human rights violations in his administration. This event symbolizes potential progress in addressing systemic issues related to extrajudicial killings and signifies a reinforcement of the rule of law in the country. The reactions from various stakeholders underscore the importance of truth, justice, and reparations for the victims.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
