Philippine Priests’ Response to Duterte’s Arrest: Hope for Justice and Healing
Priests in the Philippines express cautious optimism over the arrest of former President Duterte, known for his deadly anti-drug campaign. Fathers Flavie Villanueva and Roberto dela Cruz work with victims’ families, providing support and rehabilitation. Their efforts highlight the ongoing need for justice and healing amidst a culture of impunity surrounding drug-related violence.
The recent arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has prompted a positive response from two priests who assist victims’ families affected by his controversial anti-drug campaign. Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz express cautious hope that Duterte will face justice. The priests have dedicated their efforts to supporting the families of those killed during the violent crackdown that occurred from 2016 to 2022.
On March 11, Duterte was arrested in Manila and transported to the Netherlands the following day. Father Villanueva described the moment as a profound emotional victory, likening it to a jubilant celebration within the context of their faith during the Lenten season. His thanksgiving Mass in Quezon City included around 30 widows whose husbands died due to the anti-drug violence.
Human Rights Watch reports more than 6,000 documented deaths; however, advocates believe the real number may exceed 30,000. Father Villanueva, who founded the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation in 2016, has actively worked on behalf of victims and their families, providing support that includes addressing their grief and legal assistance.
Tragic cases, such as the murder of teenage victim Kian DeLos Santos, exemplify the brutality of the anti-drug campaign. Father Villanueva attended Kian’s funeral and, alongside other clergy, highlighted the injustice, leading to public outrage and eventual convictions for the officers involved.
His foundation has directly assisted almost 350 widows and indirectly helped about 5,000 people through broader outreach. Father Villanueva continues to adapt his psycho-spiritual support model to meet growing demand as victims’ families seek solace and understanding.
Father Roberto dela Cruz has also been instrumental as part of the Archdiocese of Manila’s Sanlakbay program, aimed at rehabilitating drug offenders since Duterte’s administration began. He emphasizes a community-based approach, supporting participants as they work towards recovery while integrating family support into the program.
Father dela Cruz respects the progress indicated by Duterte’s arrest, expressing hope for accountability. Nevertheless, he acknowledges the strong “culture of impunity” in the Philippines, which complicates justice for victims of the anti-drug campaign.
Focusing on rehabilitation rather than criticism of the campaign, Father dela Cruz believes in the importance of saving lives. He advises participants from Sanlakbay to share their experiences openly, fostering genuine dialogue and understanding in their recovery process. Despite the looming shadows of Duterte’s policies, he remains committed to supporting and guiding individuals on their rehabilitation journeys.
The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte has elicited a mix of hope and relief among priests assisting victims’ families of his anti-drug campaign. Fathers Flavie Villanueva and Roberto dela Cruz represent those advocating for justice and rehabilitation in the wake of a contentious era marked by significant loss of life. While the prospects of accountability are uncertain, their ongoing efforts to provide psycho-spiritual support and community-based rehabilitation reflect a steadfast commitment to healing and advocacy for the marginalized.
Original Source: catholicreview.org
