Filipino Bishops Affirm Duterte’s Arrest as a Key To Accountability

Filipino bishops welcome the arrest of former President Duterte as a step toward accountability for human rights abuses associated with his “war on drugs.” They stress the importance of justice and truth for victims while emphasizing that Duterte’s actions should be investigated in accordance with the law. The Catholic Church and human rights organizations view this development as a crucial measure to address past violations and prevent future ones.

Bishops in the Philippines have expressed approval regarding the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on charges pertaining to crimes against humanity. They regard this event as a significant advancement toward accountability and a critical action against human rights violations within the nation. Duterte, who ruled the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, was apprehended at Manila airport following an ICC warrant related to the controversial “war on drugs” that occurred during his administration.

Duterte has faced extensive allegations of extrajudicial killings, particularly involving young men from marginalized communities. Although police records indicate over 6,200 such killings, independent estimates suggest the true number could range from 12,000 to 30,000. This ICC investigation spans the years from 2011 to 2019, including his tenure as mayor of Davao, where he purportedly implemented similar violent approaches to combating drugs.

The Catholic Church and human rights advocates have welcomed Duterte’s extradition to The Hague. While many support his arrest as a step toward justice, his followers view it as an unjust attack on a leader they believe improved national safety. Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of Caritas Philippines articulated that the killings during Duterte’s presidency represented a systematic attack on the right to life rather than random violence.

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo asserted that Duterte’s arrest marks an important stride towards justice for victims, emphasizing that true justice encompasses accountability, transparency, and the safeguarding of human dignity. He urged Duterte to stand by his assertions of being responsible for his actions and to demonstrate this commitment now.

In a statement released by the Catholic Church’s humanitarian arm, the emphasis was placed on the necessity for truth, reparations, and justice for victims, highlighting the arrest as a critical juncture for the Philippines. The Church had consistently criticized the brutality of Duterte’s drug policies during his presidency, asserting the importance of investigating the crimes occurring under his leadership.

Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have echoed the bishops’ views, describing Duterte’s arrest as a vital step towards establishing accountability in the Philippines. Despite Duterte’s claims that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines due to its withdrawal from the court in 2019, lawyer Aaron Pedrosa explained that the ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes committed before a nation exits the tribunal according to the Rome Statute.

In summary, the Filipino bishops view the arrest of former President Duterte as a significant advancement toward accountability regarding human rights violations in the Philippines. They emphasize the need for justice and truth for the victims of his administration’s policies. The Church’s ongoing commitment to addressing these issues, along with the support from human rights organizations, signals a critical movement toward ensuring that such offenses do not occur again.

Original Source: www.vaticannews.va