Filipinos should not focus solely on the accused in the drug war under former President Rodrigo Duterte, but also remember the victims, Malacañang said.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro urged the public to consider the experiences of the victims and their families, rather than glorifying the accused.
“Siguro po pag-usapan din po natin ‘yung mga’y diumano’y biktima. Hindi dapat puro sa kanila (accused) nakatuon ang atensiyon ng tao. Hindi napapansin sa ngayon ano ang naranasan ng mga biktima? Ano ang naranasan ng mga pamilyang naiwan ng kanilang mga kamag-anak na diumano’y biktima ng EJK (extrajudicial killing),” she said.
Castro pointed out that the current discussion centers on suspects, while the victims of extrajudicial killings are often overlooked.
“Bakit parang nago-glorify pa natin sa ngayon ‘yung naaakusahan ng murder at crimes against humanity?” she claimed. “Sana po ang taong-bayan, buksan naman nila ang isip. Tingnan po nila: Ano ang naramdaman ng mga tao, ng pamilya na naging biktima ng EJK.”
The undersecretary also dismissed claims that the ex-president’s arrest, based on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, was part of a demolition job. She noted that the case was filed years ago.
Duterte, facing charges of crimes against humanity, was arrested on March 12 by Philippine authorities and handed over to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.IMT
