Opponents of Duterte’s Drug War Reflect on His Arrest and Its Implications
The recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity has prompted significant reactions from key opponents of his drug war. Father Flaviano Villanueva, Senator Leila de Lima, forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun, and former Senator Antonio Trillanes have expressed their hopes for justice and accountability, while recognizing the challenges ahead in addressing the violence perpetrated during Duterte’s administration.
The Philippines has witnessed significant opposition to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, which has resulted in numerous deaths. Following Duterte’s recent arrest and subsequent transfer to the International Criminal Court at The Hague to answer for charges related to crimes against humanity, four prominent critics reflect on the implications of this event.
Father Flaviano Villanueva, a Manila-based priest committed to aiding victims’ families, expressed his thoughts upon learning about Duterte’s arrest, stating, “God never sleeps.” He emphasized that while Duterte is the figurehead, accountability must extend to all those implicated in the violence, as he described it as a necessary national reckoning of responsibility.
Former senator Leila de Lima, who spent six years imprisoned on questionable drug charges, expressed mixed emotions regarding Duterte’s arrest. She noted her relief that he could not evade justice, stating, “The wheels of justice are turning, but… it took an international tribunal to be able to really do concrete things.” De Lima called for local authorities to pursue lower-level perpetrators in the drug war.
Raquel Fortun, a forensic pathologist dedicated to uncovering the truth behind the drug war deaths, described her reaction upon learning about Duterte’s arrest as profoundly emotional. She remains committed to her work, continuing her efforts to support affected families, as she stated, “The work has not stopped… These people are banking on me.”
Antonio Trillanes, a former senator involved in initiating the ICC case against Duterte, expressed joy over the arrest and its significance as a cautionary message to future leaders. He noted the complex public sentiment surrounding this event, advising against sympathy for Duterte, and emphasizing that this arrest is merely the beginning of a long journey towards justice.
The developments surrounding Duterte’s arrest signify a potential turning point in addressing the human rights violations associated with his administration’s policies, though the path to accountability remains fraught with challenges.
In summary, the arrests of former President Rodrigo Duterte have ignited a mixed response in the Philippines, reflecting both hope for justice and the persistent challenge of accountability. Critics like Father Villanueva, Senator de Lima, Fortun, and Trillanes articulate their aspirations for a thorough reckoning of the drug war’s toll. Their experiences underline the need for continued efforts toward truth and systemic changes in the face of past injustices. As they advocate for accountability and justice, they highlight the importance of collective recognition of responsibility within Philippine society.
Original Source: www.france24.com
