Key Takeaways:
- Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity charges related to his drug war.
- Four key opponents of Duterte’s drug crackdown shared their reactions to his arrest, expressing hope for justice but also acknowledging the long road ahead.
- The drug war, which rights groups say killed tens of thousands, has left deep scars in the Philippines.
The Priest: A Call for National Atonement
Father Flaviano Villanueva, a rights advocate in Manila, has spent years helping families of those killed in Duterte’s drug war. When he heard about the arrest, he said, “God never sleeps.”
The priest believes Duterte’s arrest is a step toward healing. He told the widows he works with that “justice comes in different shapes,” and this was one of them. However, he also emphasized that Duterte wasn’t the only one responsible. “There’s also the carpenter, the mason, and the blacksmith,” he said, referring to others involved in the killings.
Villanueva hopes for a “national atonement,” where even those who quietly supported the drug war reflect on their actions. He believes this is the only way the country can move forward.
The Jailed Senator: Bittersweet Victory
Former Senator Leila de Lima, who spent six years in jail on drug charges she calls fabricated, was at a mall when she heard the news. “I asked myself, ‘Is this really it?’” she said, struggling to believe it.
De Lima feels a mix of emotions. While she’s thrilled Duterte can’t “wiggle his way out” this time, she’s also bitter. She wishes local authorities had acted sooner instead of relying on the ICC.
Now, she hopes Filipino authorities will step up by going after lower-level accomplices, like the gunmen involved in the killings. “They should keep the ball rolling,” she said.
The Forensic Pathologist: Still Fighting for Truth
Raquel Fortun, a forensic pathologist, was driving when she heard about Duterte’s arrest. She cried for the first time in years, she said.
Fortun has faced threats for her work in examining bodies of drug war victims. But she persists, knowing there are still families seeking answers. “These people are banking on me,” she said. “How can I stop?”
With Duterte’s arrest, Fortun feels a little safer. She’s hopeful the ICC case will bring truth and accountability for the victims’ families.
The Man Behind the ICC Case: A Long Journey
Former Senator Antonio Trillanes, who helped gather evidence for the ICC case, said his team was “ecstatic” about Duterte’s arrest. After eight years of work, this felt like a big win.
Trillanes believes this sends a strong message to future leaders: “If you abuse your power and kill your people, you’ll be held accountable.”
However, he knows not everyone in the Philippines supports the arrest. Some Filipinos still back Duterte, and Trillanes warns of possible unrest.
For now, he views this as just the first step in a long journey. “We’re going to keep our feet on the ground until the end,” he said.
A Step Toward Justice
Duterte’s arrest is a significant moment for the Philippines and the world. It shows that even former leaders can face consequences for their actions.
But as his critics point out, this is just the beginning. Justice will require accountability from everyone involved, from top leaders to those on the ground.
The road ahead will be long and difficult, but for the families of the victims, this is a glimmer of hope. As Father Villanueva said, “God never sleeps,” and neither will the fight for truth and justice.