Don’t forget EJK victims’ side, says Palace

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

Photos of so-called extrajudicial killing victims under the Duterte administration’s drug war at Sacred Heart Parish in Kamuning, Quezon City where a Mass was held Tuesday (March 11, 2025). (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – In the wake of the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang on Thursday called for a balanced perspective on the issue, urging the public to consider both sides of the story, especially the alleged victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) that occurred during Duterte’s administration.

In a panel discussion with officials from the Philippine National Police and the Department of Justice, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro addressed criticisms from Duterte supporters, emphasizing the importance of not focusing solely on one side of the matter.

“Hindi lamang po dapat na titingnan ang isang side of the story. Mayroon po tayong nakakalimutan, iyong kuwento po ng diumano’y mga biktima ng EJK. So, tingnan po natin pareho, huwag po tayong kumampi (We should not only look at one side of the story. We are forgetting something, the story of the alleged victims of EJK. So, let’s look at both directions, let’s not take sides),” Castro said.

The Palace official also reminded the public that while many people may admire the former president, the pursuit of justice must prevail above personal biases.

“Alam natin na mayroon po kayong iniidolo, mayroon po kayong hinahangaan, pero this time ay dapat po ay hustisya po ang mag-prevail – hustisya para sa diumano’y mga biktima at hustisya rin po kay dating Pangulong Duterte (We know that you have idols, you admire people, but this time, justice must prevail – justice for the alleged victims and also justice for former President Duterte),” she said.

Duterte was arrested by the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol and local police personnel on Tuesday on the basis of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, which has been investigating alleged crimes against humanity for the killings committed in the guise of the former leader’s controversial drug war when he was still Davao City mayor and president of the country.

He is now in The Hague, Netherlands awaiting trial.