Filipino Bishops Support Duterte’s Arrest as a Step Toward Accountability

Filipino bishops have applauded the recent arrest of ex-President Duterte on charges of crimes against humanity, viewing it as a significant step toward accountability for human rights violations. Thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings during his tenure have come under scrutiny, with the Catholic Church and human rights groups echoing the calls for justice and the need for truth and reparations for victims.

Bishops in the Philippines have shown their support for the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces charges of crimes against humanity. They view this development as a significant move toward accountability, potentially setting a precedent for addressing human rights violations in the nation. Duterte was detained on March 11 at Manila airport after an ICC warrant was issued related to his controversial “war on drugs.”

Dubbed the ‘strongman’ of the Philippines, Duterte’s regime from 2016 to 2022 has been marred by allegations of extrajudicial killings, primarily targeting impoverished young men. Officially reported figures indicate over 6,200 extrajudicial killings, but independent estimates suggest numbers may reach between 12,000 and 30,000. The ongoing ICC investigation covers actions taken from 2011 to 2019, which includes Duterte’s tenure as mayor of Davao.

The extradition of Duterte to The Hague has garnered support from various sectors, including the Catholic Church and human rights advocates. Supporters of Duterte, however, perceive the arrest as unjust persecution for a leader who allegedly enhanced the nation’s safety. Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of Caritas Philippines highlighted that the executions were part of a systematic policy undermining the right to life.

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan welcomed Duterte’s arrest as vital for justice. He emphasized that true justice involves accountability and human dignity. He urged Duterte to uphold his earlier claims of readiness to face accountability for his actions, asserting, “Now is the time for him to prove it.”

In a statement, the Catholic Church advocacy group called for truth, reparations, and justice for the victims, underscoring Duterte’s arrest as a crucial moment in ensuring that such violations are not repeated. The Church has consistently condemned the brutal drug crackdown during Duterte’s presidency, and Bishop Broderick Pabillo asserted that crimes during his tenure require thorough investigation.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, hailed the arrest as a key step towards accountability in the Philippines. Duterte has previously contended that the ICC could not exercise jurisdiction over the Philippines due to his withdrawal in 2019; however, activist Aaron Pedrosa clarified that the court still maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed before a nation’s exit from the tribunal.

The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte represents a pivotal moment in the Philippine efforts toward accountability for human rights violations. Bishops have expressed hope that this development will lead to justice for victims of extrajudicial killings, while human rights advocates view it as an essential step in upholding the rule of law. As calls for reparations and thorough investigations persist, the arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in governance.

Original Source: www.vaticannews.va