“O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart;
you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man
who is of the earth may strike terror no more.” – Psalm 10-17-18, ESV
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines expresses deep concern, pain, and indignation over the reward system revelation by former Police Colonel Royina Garma during the House of Representatives quad committee hearing on extrajudicial killings on the “War on Drugs” campaign of the previous administration of President Duterte in the Philippines.
The revelation of Colonel Garma corroborates the previous testimonies of witnesses and only confirms the open secret knowledge that the spate of killings that victimized around 30,000 people in the country were state-sponsored, planned, committed, and funded by the state authorities.
Considering the extensive scope of Colonel Garma’s revelations, which include the fact that perpetrators continue to hold significant influential positions within government and the system and connections in place, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines supports the call to permit the International Criminal Court (ICC) to undertake its investigation in the Philippines.
While the National Council of Churches in the Philippines supports the House quad committee hearing, it also calls on the lawmakers to see to it that the loopholes in the law that have been used and are being used to justify the syndicated killings are repealed and shut off. It is noteworthy that even in the face of the current administration’s reports of extrajudicial killings continues to happen.
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines expresses its full support to the Rise Up for Rights and for Life (RISE UP) and other organizations of the families of victims of extrajudicial killings under the “War on Drugs” campaign. The Council earnestly prays for the safety of these organizations and their members as they continue their fight for justice on behalf of their loved ones.
Let justice be served and may the responsible author behind the killings and human rights violations in the “War on Drugs” in the Philippines be held accountable. The current administration should also ensure that extrajudicial killings must not continue and human rights should prevail.
Signed:
12 October 2024
Ms. Jennifer Ferariza-Meneses
Vice-Chairperson
Pastor Jon Dave A. Angeles
Vice Chairperson
Rev. Leonardo R. Morada
Treasurer
Ms. Minnie Anne M. Calub
General Secretary
