MANILA — Families of victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) under former President Duterte’s drug war gathered at the Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish in Payatas, Quezon City, for a thanksgiving Mass on Tuesday, following his arrest under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Fr. Bong Sarabia, who led the Mass, called the arrest a “historic surprise” and a step closer to justice for those affected by the drug war. “This is the year of jubilee, freedom, and justice, especially for the surviving EJK families,” he said.
Teresita Campos, whose son Jonald was killed in 2016, expressed relief, stating, “Justice has been served for my son’s death.” Her son was accused of drug involvement, which she vehemently denies. She called for Duterte to face the consequences of his actions. “He must pay for his crimes,” she said.
Maria Belen Daa, who lost her son Marcelo Jr. during a police operation in 2016, echoed the demand for accountability. “He should pay for everything,” she said, emphasizing that those targeted in the drug war could have been imprisoned instead of killed.
Leonila Aguilar, who lost her son-in-law Dante Santos in 2017, also expressed gratitude for Duterte’s arrest. “I’m thankful that Duterte has been caught,” she said.
Fr. Sarabia reaffirmed the church’s support for the families and their fight for justice. “We’ve long stood with the families of EJK victims,” he noted. “We seek justice and for the truth of these heinous crimes to be known.”
Duterte’s arrest follows an ICC-issued warrant related to crimes against humanity during his controversial war on drugs, which led to thousands of deaths.
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