On Wednesday, a new fact-finding body was launched in Manila, Philippines, spearheaded by Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David. This initiative aims to document accounts from witnesses concerning the brutal anti-drugs crackdown initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte. The information gathered is intended to assist the government in prosecuting law enforcement officials involved in extrajudicial killings.
Rodrigo Duterte, who concluded his controversial six-year presidency in 2022, was arrested last year and taken to the Netherlands. He is currently facing trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity, related to the numerous killings during his presidency. Notably, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who was Duterte’s national police chief and a staunch supporter, is wanted by the ICC as a co-perpetrator in connection to these killings. He has since gone into hiding, with Philippine authorities actively pursuing his arrest in accordance with the ICC warrant.
Both Duterte and dela Rosa have refuted claims that they authorized extrajudicial killings. However, Duterte frequently issued threats against drug suspects during his presidency. Human rights organizations have reported that the police crackdown resulted in thousands of deaths, predominantly among poor individuals, with very few officers facing thorough investigations or convictions.
At the press conference announcing the formation of the EJK Truth Commission, Cardinal David expressed that this initiative is a long-overdue step toward justice for victims and their families. He emphasized the potential for healing within the community and a need for closure, stating, "This is an opportunity for a catharsis... so we can recover our dignity as a country."
Leading the commission is Raul Pangalangan, a respected Philippine lawyer and former ICC judge. He conveyed that the body aims to ensure that the voices of victims, survivors, and their families are documented and preserved. The commission plans to hold public hearings to facilitate the process. Pangalangan spoke about the societal complicity in the violence, noting a "conspiracy of silence" that has allowed the atrocities to persist.
Commission members have committed to making their findings available for governmental use in investigations and prosecutions, asserting that their periodic reports will be submitted to justice and human rights officials. Cardinal David extended a call to civil society, academic institutions, and religious groups to support the commission, noting that a charity from Germany has pledged funding for the initiative.
Forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun, also a member of the commission, acknowledged the difficulties faced in establishing facts several years after the incidents. She highlighted that some law enforcement officials have taken measures to evade accountability. Among her findings, she noted discrepancies in death certificates for drug suspects, stating that many were recorded as having died from natural causes like heart attacks or pneumonia, while her examinations revealed gunshot wounds.
In summary, the establishment of the EJK Truth Commission marks a significant step toward accountability for the violent anti-drug campaign in the Philippines, under Duterte's regime, aiming to bring justice to the victims and restore national dignity.
