DAVAO CITY – Archdiocese of Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles has called for fairness and dignity as the nation is “deeply divided” following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11.
VALLES (Keith Bacongco)
In his pastoral message, Valles said that the country now stands at a crossroads, adding that the arrest of the former President has strained relationships and now challenges the unity of the people.
“In this time of uncertainty and discord, the Catholic Church remains steadfast as a beacon of faith, hope, and charity. United as one people, we recognize the pain and frustration felt across the land, including the suffering of those who consider themselves victims of injustice in the past,” the archbishop emphasized.
But while the Catholic Church affirms the importance of accountability, Valles said that they also extend their pastoral support and prayers to the former President and his family.
“He, being a son of this local Church, so beloved by a vast number of our faithful.”
“Justice, however, must be pursued with fairness and integrity. It must remain free from partisan political motivations or personal vendettas,” Valles emphasized.
He urged the government to uphold due process, adhere to the rule of law, and respect the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence. “Only through such commitment to justice can true peace be achieved.”
Since the arrest of Duterte on March 11, mass protests have erupted in different parts of the country and even in some parts of the world, where many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are based.
Critics and supporters of the former Presidents have clashed on social media platforms.
Duterte supporters have been calling for the release of the former President after the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, with the Philippine National Police, served the warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity during his campaign against illegal drugs.
On March 16, about 30,000 supporters of the former President marched on the streets of this city and demanded for his release.
They also called for the resignation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Critics of former President Duterte have also been organizing protests calling for his accountability on alleged extrajudicial killings said to be perpetrated by State forces during his administration.