Caloocan Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David and families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims have appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to create a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate the full extent of the war on drugs and help the nation heal from years of systemic violence.
In a letter signed by David, civil society leaders, and families of EJK victims, the group urged Mr. Marcos to establish a body modeled after truth commissions in countries that emerged from periods of conflict and human rights violations.
“We humbly appeal to Your Excellency to consider creating a National Truth and Reconciliation Commission, modeled after those established in other countries emerging from periods of systemic violence,” the letter read.
David emphasized that the proposed commission would not seek revenge but would “establish truth, promote accountability, extend compassion to victims, and help our country move forward with honesty and moral clarity.”
The commission, he said, could provide a safe venue for victims and witnesses to be heard, review unresolved deaths under investigation, and recommend reparations and institutional reforms to prevent future abuses.
“Your leadership in establishing such a commission would send a powerful message: that our nation chooses courage over fear, accountability over impunity, and reconciliation over silence,” he wrote.
The Caloocan prelate, whose diocese became one of the epicenters of drug war killings during the Duterte administration, questioned the pattern of missing CCTV footage and blacked-out street lights during police operations.
“Why is it that so often there are no CCTV footages? Why is it that during police operations, the streetlights are turned off?” David said.
“This is the truth that must be established. Those who must admit should admit—that is the road to reconciliation,” he added.
Several widows and orphans of drug war victims joined the appeal, saying they have yet to see justice for their loved ones.
Earlier, former House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan had urged the President to appoint an independent fact-finding commission to investigate EJKs tied to the prior drug war.
