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Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) welcomes the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, which comes in response to mounting calls for justice over the thousands of lives lost during his administration’s so-called war on drugs. This arrest represents a crucial step toward accountability for grave human rights violations and a long-overdue reckoning for the victims and their families. For years, communities, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations have documented extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and widespread fear instilled by state forces under Duterte’s violent campaign. The death toll, largely composed of the poor and marginalized, reflects a state policy of impunity that disregarded due process, legal protections, and the fundamental right to life. These atrocities were not random incidents but systematic violations that must be addressed through legal and judicial processes, both domestic and international. As the Philippines remains a party to international human rights treaties, we urge the current administration to fully cooperate with legal proceedings and ensure that justice is not obstructed by political maneuvering or institutional barriers. Duterte’s arrest should serve as a turning point in reaffirming the country’s commitment to human rights, accountability, and the rule of law. PMPI stands in solidarity with the victims and their families who have long been denied justice. We echo their calls for the truth to be revealed, reparations to be made, and guarantees of non-repetition to be implemented. This moment is not just about one individual—it is about ensuring that no leader can ever again wield state power to violate the dignity and rights of Filipinos with impunity. We call on all sectors—government agencies, the judiciary, civil society, and the international community—to remain vigilant in upholding justice and protecting human rights defenders who continue to work toward truth and accountability. |
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