Drug war victims join EDSA rallies

Families of victims of the Duterte administration’s deadly campaign against illegal drugs were among those who participated in yesterday’s commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the EDSA people power revolution.

- By JANVIC MATEO

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, in his homily at the EDSA Shrine last night, also urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) “to bring to justice murderers of drug users, who also murdered our national virtues and values.”

“Help us restore justice and order in this land that has lost its virtues,” Villegas said.

The ICC is currently hearing confirmation of charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte, some of the victims' relatives joined human rights advocates in the commemoration.

The court scheduled a midweek break in the hearing in consideration of Duterte, who was allowed to skip the pretrial proceedings.

In Quezon City, members of the Rise Up for Life and for Rights a network supporting drug war victims and their families - joined the EDSA40 activity at the EDSA Shrine.

"The commemoration of EDSA@40 today is historic and significant for the families of victims of the war on drugs, as it coincides with the ongoing confirmation of charges hearing on the crimes against humanity case against former president Duterte being held in The Hague, Netherlands," it said in Filipino.

"These days are especially significant for the families of those who were killed under the sham 'war on drugs' of former president Duterte.

Once again, they affirm the power of collective action by human rights advocates and the families of the victims who, despite fear, anxiety and hardship, chose to stand up, fight for justice and hold Duterte accountable," it added.

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