CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — A church leader in Laguna has expressed solidarity with the families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Catholic priest Msgr. Jerry Bitoon, who is also a human rights advocate, described Duterte’s arrest as a significant step towards justice.
“Tahan na sa pagtangis. Nadakip na ang utak ng walang-habag na ‘di makatarungang pagkitil ng buhay sa ngalan ng War on Drugs,” Bitoon said.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing that while justice may be slow, it is now moving forward.
“Nagsisimula nang umusad ang makupad na gulong ng hustisya. Bantayan pa rin natin ang mga pangyayari at mangyayari pa. Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa. We are pilgrims of hope. Ang Diyos na may awa ay Diyos din ng katarungan,” he added.
As legal proceedings unfold, Bitoon calls for continued vigilance and support for the victims and their families.
He also added that all those who played roles in the implementation of the drug war campaign must also be arrested.
“It is a crime against humanity, a mass murder using the very institution (PNP) of government and resources of the government—substantial monetary reward to police who can kill an alleged drug pushers or users —to kill without due processes people including children and youth,” Bitoon said in his Facebook post.
He also supported the Clergy for Good Governance statement, emphasizing that the arrest order was an answered prayer from the thousands of victims.
“The International Criminal Court’s arrest order against former President Rodrigo Duterte answers countless prayers for justice that have risen from the depths of grief,” the Clergy for Good Governance said in a statement.
“We look forward with hopeful hears to the Philippines reborn in justice, transformed by truth, and united in compassion. The path may be difficult, but with each step toward justice, hope grows stronger,” it added. (CCM, PIA4A)
