Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs faces strong opposition, culminating in his arrest for crimes against humanity. Advocacy from figures like Father Flaviano Villanueva, Senator Leila de Lima, Dr. Raquel Fortun, and Antonio Trillanes emphasizes the need for accountability and justice for victims. Their responses reflect hope, mixed emotions, and a commitment to continuing the fight for truth and justice in the Philippines.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s relentless war on drugs in the Philippines has been met with persistent opposition, even as he faces serious legal repercussions in The Hague for crimes against humanity. Rights advocates have spoken out against the violence that has led to tens of thousands of deaths, a crucial aspect of Duterte’s administration.
Father Flaviano Villanueva, a rights advocate, found it difficult to comprehend Duterte’s arrest, remarking, “God never sleeps.” He has provided support to families affected by the drug war and believes that justice comes in various forms. Villanueva insists that accountability extends beyond Duterte, emphasizing that all who contributed to the violence must face consequences, leading to a call for national atonement for the Filipino people.
Former senator Leila de Lima, who spent six years imprisoned on alleged drug charges, reacted to the news with mixed emotions. She expressed relief that Duterte could no longer evade justice, yet felt saddened that it required an international tribunal for this moment to arise. De Lima urged local authorities to take action against lower-level perpetrators of violence involved in the drug war, reinforcing the need for proper prosecutions.
Forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun reflected on the emotional impact of Duterte’s arrest, stating, “That was the first time I cried.” Despite threats to her safety, Fortun remains dedicated to uncovering the truth behind countless drug-related deaths, emphasizing her commitment to helping grieving families. With the ICC case underway, she feels a renewed sense of hope for accountability.
Antonio Trillanes, a former senator who played a pivotal role in the case against Duterte, expressed exhilaration over the arrest, viewing it as a crucial step toward justice. He emphasized that Duterte’s actions should not be overlooked simply due to his age and health. Trillanes reminded the public to recall Duterte’s brutal reign and asserted that this event marks the beginning of a lengthy journey toward justice, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining pressure for accountability.
The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte signifies a potential turning point in the pursuit of justice for victims of his drug war. Advocates like Father Villanueva, Leila de Lima, Raquel Fortun, and Antonio Trillanes have expressed their varied responses to this moment, highlighting the call for accountability at all levels. The international tribunal’s involvement raises hopes for truth and justice, marking the start of a crucial journey for the Philippines in confronting its past atrocities.
Original Source: www.france24.com
