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Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao. (CBCP News/File)The Catholic archbishop of Davao has called on Filipinos to “reject hatred and division” and turn to prayer as former president Rodrigo Duterte faces trial at the International Criminal Court.
Archbishop Romulo Valles, in a pastoral message to his flock, urged the faithful to choose “dialogue over discord” and “reconciliation over conflict” after Duterte’s arrest.
“At this critical moment in our nation’s history, let us turn to prayer, seeking God’s mercy and guidance of the Holy Spirit,” Valles said.
Duterte’s trial over his deadly war on drugs has sparked protests and debate across the country. His supporters have rallied against his arrest, while families of drug war victims and human rights advocates continue to call for justice.
The archbishop acknowledged that Duterte’s arrest “has strained relationships” and “challenges our unity as a people.”
“United as one people, we recognize the pain and frustration felt across the land, including the suffering of those who consider themselves victims of injustice in the past,” Valles said.
“While we affirm the importance of accountability, we also extend our pastoral support and prayers to the former president and his family; he being a son of this local Church, so beloved by a vast number of our faithful,” he added.
Valles, who is also a former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said the pursuit of truth and justice should be free from “partisan political motivations and personal vendettas.”
He urged the government to uphold due process and respect the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence.
“Only through such commitment to justice can true peace be achieved,” he stressed.
The senior prelate also called on Filipinos to “uphold truth, safeguard human dignity and promote the common good.”
