Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest by the ICC has sparked reactions from opponents of his drug war, including Father Flaviano Villanueva, Leila de Lima, Raquel Fortun, and Antonio Trillanes. These figures express hope for justice while acknowledging the complexities ahead, calling for further accountability in the wake of Duterte’s actions during his presidency.
The arrest of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte marks a significant event in the ongoing criticism of his drug war. Rights advocates, including Father Flaviano Villanueva, are reflective about justice following Duterte’s transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Villanueva comments that justice can take various forms, as he supports families of victims from the crackdown, saying, “God never sleeps.”
Leila de Lima, a former senator imprisoned for opposing the drug war, expressed mixed feelings about Duterte’s arrest. While she acknowledges the positive step this represents in justice, she lamented that it required international intervention to achieve accountability. De Lima urged local authorities to target those directly involved in the violence to ensure ongoing justice efforts.
Forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun is steadfast in her mission to investigate drug war fatalities, stating, “The work has not stopped… these people are banking on me.” Fortun remains committed to identifying the causes of death related to the killings, believing that her work aids countless families awaiting closure.
Antonio Trillanes, another former senator involved in building the ICC case, expressed enthusiasm for Duterte’s arrest. He highlighted the potential repercussions of unaccounted power but acknowledged the diverse public reaction to the news. Trillanes urged the public to remember Duterte’s past actions rather than feel empathy for him in custody, maintaining that this arrest is a vital step towards justice, albeit just the beginning.
Duterte’s arrest is a pivotal moment for many opponents of his drug war, representing potential accountability after years of violence. Advocates emphasize the need for continued efforts at justice locally and internationally. As the reactions from key figures demonstrate, the journey towards healing and closure for victims’ families is ongoing, highlighting the complex interplay between justice, politics, and societal accountability. Advocates are committed to pursuing the truth and supporting affected families.
Original Source: www.france24.com
