In this file photo, residents in Kian delos Santos’ neighborhood in Caloocan City light candles at the place where the 17-year-old was killed by policemen on Aug. 16, 2017. Delos Santos’ family and relatives of drug war victims reiterated their call for justice as they marked his fourth death anniversary on Monday. —File photo by Lyn Rillon | Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — “The former president and his family were not hurt.”
“I hope they also asked how the families of drug war victims felt during the times when authorities forcibly entered their homes.”
These were the responses of Randy delos Santos to claims by former President Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters that his arrest was unlawful.
READ: Supporters cry persecution, injustice over arrest of Duterte
Randy is the uncle of Kian delos Santos, a 17-year-old student shot dead during a police operation in Caloocan City in August 2017.
READ: Kian was killed without mercy — NBI
“They were not harmed. His lawyers were present—intelligent, educated people, right?” Randy told INQUIRER.net in Filipino in an interview on Wednesday.
[Original quote: “Hindi naman sila sa sinaktan. Nandoon naman ‘yung mga abogado niya, mga matatalino, mga edukado ‘di ba?”]
“I hope they also asked: How were the feelings of the families during those times when authorities were forcibly entering their homes?” he said.
[Original quote: “Sana din ay tinanong, kumusta din po ang nararamdaman ng mga pamilya noong mga panahon na pwersahang pinapasok ng mga awtoridad ang mga bahay nito? Sinipa ang mga pinto, sinaktan ang mga tatay, binaril sa ulo ang mga tatay nila.”]
“Doors were kicked. Fathers were injured. Their fathers were shot in the head,” he recalled.
READ: Duterte’s arrest an abuse? Priest says ex-president was the abuser
Randy serves as a field coordinator for a multi-sectoral group called Project Paghilom.
He said Duterte was fortunate to have been granted rights during his arrest — something the victims of the his drug war never had.
“He should be grateful because I know the International Criminal Court (ICC) will follow its mandate. His rights will be respected, and he will be given a chance to defend himself,” Randy said.
[Original quote: “Pasalamat nga siya, dahil alam ko na ‘di ba, ang International [Criminal] Court ay susunod sa kung ano ‘yung mandato nito. Igagalang ‘yung kanyang karapatan at bibigyan siya ng pagkakataon para ipagtanggol ang kanyang sarili.”]
“We saw how they followed due process in serving the warrant. His security was ensured. Everything was provided to him [including his rights],” he added.
[Original quote: “Nakita naman natin kung papaano nila iginalang at sinunod ang proseso ng pag-seserve ng warrant… sinecure ang kanyang seguridad, na lahat ay may maipagkakaloob sa kanya, ang kanyang karapatan.”]
Asked if the Philippines should consider rejoining the ICC, Randy said doing so would help victims of abuse seek justice.
“It is only right since we used to be a member for years, right?” he said.
“Joining the international community shows friendship because when there is abuse, where else can you turn to?” he added.
[Original quote: “Angkop lang dahil ilang taon naman tayo naging miyembro nito, ‘di ba? Ang pagsali sa international community ay pagpapakita ng pakikipagkaibigan, dahil ang motibo lamang nito ay… kapag ka may mapang-abuso, saan ka tatakbo?”]
READ: What awaits Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague?
Randy hopes Duterte’s arrest would help restore the country’s justice system.
Families of the victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) held activities to celebrate what they see as justice finally being served.
A thanksgiving Mass was held at the Sacred Heart Parish in Quezon City on Tuesday, attended by EJK victims’ families and human rights groups.
Another Mass was held at Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish in Payatas, Quezon City – a known hotspot of Duterte’s drug war, where several alleged drug suspects were killed.
READ: Priest: Remember March 11 as the day when justice prevailed for EJK victims
On Tuesday, March 11, Duterte was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his arrival from Hong Kong.
He was later transferred to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
The former president was served an ICC arrest warrant for crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s war on illegal drugs.
READ: From ‘tokhang’ to The Hague: Duterte handed over to ICC
A chartered plane carrying Duterte left the Philippines at 11:03 p.m. on Tuesday.
It headed for the ICC headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands.