Priests Reaction to Duterte’s Arrest: Hope for Justice and Healing for Victims

Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz, both priests in the Philippines, are responding positively to former President Duterte’s recent arrest in connection with his controversial anti-drug campaign. They provide support services to widows and drug offenders, focusing on rehabilitation and community healing in the wake of extensive violence.

Two Catholic priests in the Philippines are closely observing developments related to the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, expressing a mix of elation and cautious hope regarding potential justice for victims of his anti-drug campaign. Father Flavie Villanueva, who has been active since 2015 in providing support to those affected, celebrated a Mass for more than 30 widows whose husbands were killed during the brutal campaign.

The campaign, which took place from 2016 to 2022, reportedly led to over 30,000 deaths, far exceeding official government figures. Father Villanueva remarked on the significance of the arrest, likening it to a moment of jubilee for those grieving victims of state violence. His apostolate, the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation, assists these bereaved families through a comprehensive seven-phase program designed to provide psycho-spiritual support.

Human Rights advocates have raised alarm over the alarming death toll, and specific high-profile cases, such as the murder of Kian DeLos Santos, have galvanized public outrage against the drug war. Following Kian’s tragic killing, Father Villanueva sought to create a support network for affected families, which now serves approximately 350 widows directly.

Father Roberto dela Cruz has also contributed through the Sanlakbay program, aimed at rehabilitating drug addicts. He emphasizes a collaborative approach to rehabilitation, working with offenders while avoiding confrontation with the government, due to the potential backlash in such a fraught socio-political climate. His program supports over 1,350 individuals, although he notes that about a third have returned to drug use.

Furthermore, he highlights the growing drug problem in Manila following Duterte’s administration, indicating a resurgence in drug use in impoverished neighborhoods. Currently, the Sanlakbay program focuses on rehabilitation and youth engagement, emphasizing dialogue and shared journeys rather than moral condemnation, allowing for more significant connections with individuals struggling with addiction.

The recent arrest of former President Duterte is viewed by some Catholic priests as a pivotal moment for victims of his brutal anti-drug campaign, reflecting hope for justice. Both Father Flavie Villanueva and Father Roberto dela Cruz are actively involved in supporting families of victims and rehabilitating drug users, addressing the urgent need for healing in a society grappling with the repercussions of extensive violence and societal neglect. Their efforts highlight the necessity of community-based support and sustained advocacy for accountability in the Philippines.

Original Source: catholicreview.org