Priests Celebrate Duterte’s Arrest, Hope for Justice in Drug War…

Two Philippine priests express hope following former President Duterte’s arrest for crimes related to the anti-drug campaign that claimed thousands of lives. Their initiatives, including psycho-spiritual support and community rehabilitation programs, aim to heal victims’ families and rehabilitate drug users, emphasizing compassion amid ongoing challenges in addressing drug-related violence in the Philippines.

In the wake of former Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest by the International Criminal Court, two priests dedicated to aiding victims of the anti-drug campaign are filled with hope. Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz closely monitor the situation, reflecting on the potential for justice amidst the history of violence that characterized Duterte’s term from 2016 to 2022.

Father Villanueva expressed his joy upon learning of Duterte’s arrest, stating it signified a spiritual victory. He remarked, “It’s more than victory… It was a feeling of jubilee, especially when I was with the widows.” Following this momentous news, he celebrated a special Mass attended by approximately 30 widows of victims from the drug war.

According to Human Rights Watch, while official records cite approximately 6,000 deaths during the anti-drug campaign, advocates believe the true number exceeds 30,000. Father Villanueva has been working with the affected families since 2015, providing support through the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation where he developed programs to assist grieving relatives.

His foundation offers psycho-spiritual support alongside legal assistance to help grieving families express their experiences, contrasting the narratives provided by police reports. To date, Father Villanueva has directly assisted around 350 widows, and his model has benefited an estimated 5,000 people connected to drug-related deaths.

Father dela Cruz, also a former drug user, initiated the Sanlakbay program to rehabilitate drug offenders early in Duterte’s presidency. This initiative collaborates with the government to provide community-based support for individuals seeking recovery. Father dela Cruz emphasized that while the news of Duterte’s indictment is promising, the pervasive culture of impunity in the Philippines remains troubling.

He noted that more than one-third of participants in his program relapse into drug use. The Sanlakbay program has managed to positively influence the lives of over 1,350 individuals, even as it contends with the resurgence of drug use in impoverished communities.

Father dela Cruz highlighted that the focus of rehabilitation should be on creating dialogues and nurturing relationships rather than imposing strict moral judgments. His perspective reflects a commitment to understanding the complex social dynamics that lead individuals to substance abuse, paving the way for meaningful rehabilitation for those affected.

This article encapsulates the emotional responses and challenges faced by those working on the frontlines of rehabilitation amid the ongoing consequences of Duterte’s drug war. The priests’ efforts underscore a profound commitment to social justice and healing amidst a legacy of violence and trauma.

The recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte has ignited hope among priests working with victims of his administration’s anti-drug campaign. Both Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz are dedicated to providing rehabilitation and support for affected families and individuals. As they navigate the complexities of justice and healing in the shadow of Duterte’s legacy, their work underscores the importance of compassion and understanding in the rehabilitation process. The ongoing challenges highlight the need for continued advocacy and action in the face of a culture steeped in violence and impunity.

Original Source: www.osvnews.com