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Some Catholic bishops expressed hope that the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte marks a step toward accountability and sets a precedent for addressing human rights violations in the country.
READ: Duterte arrested at ICC’s request over ‘drugs war’, government says | Factbox: What happened in Philippine drug war that led to Duterte’s arrest?
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan said Duterte’s arrest is a crucial move toward justice for the thousands killed in his deadly drug war.
“True justice… is about accountability, transparency, and the protection of human dignity,” said Bagaforo, who is also president of Caritas Philippines.
“For years, former president Duterte has claimed that he is ready to face the consequences of his actions. Now is the time for him to prove it,” he said.
Duterte is in police custody after Interpol served him with an arrest warrant from the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity upon his arrival at Manila’s international airport Tuesday.
The ICC has been investigating the brutal anti-drugs crackdown that Duterte oversaw while he was in office.
Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, but an appeals judge ruled that prosecutors still had jurisdiction over the alleged crimes because they occurred when the country was still a member.
Most cases investigated by the ICC took place between 2016 and 2019. The probe also covers alleged crimes committed when Duterte was mayor of Davao.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos emphasized the need for justice, stating that the victims and their families deserve truth and reparations.
“These killings were not random; they were part of a policy that violated the fundamental right to life,” said Alminaza, who is also vice president of the national Caritas.
“The families of the victims deserve truth, reparations, and justice. As a nation, we must ensure that such crimes never happen again,” he said.
Duterte’s arrest does not mean he is guilty. But Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Taytay said the crimes happened under the former leader’s watch must be investigated.
“This is where we will see whether his actions were right or wrong and whether he should be held responsible if they were wrong,” Pabillo told Manila archdiocese-run Radio Veritas.
“That is what democracy should be—no one is above the law, and everyone must answer for their actions,” he said.
