March 11, 2025 – In a landmark event in the quest for justice, the Catholic Church in the Philippines, along with human rights organizations and families of victims of the war on drugs, expressed their welcome for the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte was arrested at Manila airport under an order from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing him of crimes against humanity related to the brutal drug suppression campaign during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
This event has sparked deep emotions within the Catholic community, where faith and compassion are valued above all. Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, Vice President of Caritas Philippines, emphasized that Duterte's ruthless policies "violated the fundamental right to life" and called for the community to unite in prayer to heal the wounds of the past and build a future based on justice and respect for dignity.
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, President of Caritas Philippines, also stated that "the families of the victims deserve the truth, reparation, and justice." He urged the entire Philippine nation to ensure that such crimes never happen again and highlighted the necessity of upholding the rule of law and accountability.
In a statement sent to the media, Caritas Philippines, the charitable arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, expressed hope that this event would mark a turning point for the country, "a step toward healing, accountability, and real change."
Former Senator Laila De Lima, a steadfast voice against Duterte's war on drugs, shared her profound personal feelings about the event. She emphasized that Duterte's arrest is not about revenge, but about justice finally being served for the thousands of innocent Filipinos who lost their lives under his administration.
Human rights organizations like Karapatan and Human Rights Watch also welcomed Duterte's arrest, seeing it as an important step toward holding him accountable for his brutal actions. They urged the Philippine government to fully cooperate with the ICC and ensure that Duterte is extradited to The Hague for trial.
While some of Duterte's supporters expressed outrage, Andrea Trinidad, a member of a victim's family, urged them to "look beyond the propaganda and seek the truth." She encouraged them to put themselves in the shoes of the loved ones who have lost and reflect on the importance of justice for all, regardless of status or power.
Amid mixed emotions, the Catholic Church calls on everyone to unite in prayer, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the pursuit of truth, justice, and reconciliation. The Church believes that only through forgiveness, healing, and commitment to respecting the dignity of all people can the Philippines overcome the wounds of the past and build a brighter future for everyone.