Cardinal David calls for National Truth and Reconciliation Commission for drug war victims

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, alongside leaders of civil society organizations and families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims, urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to establish a National Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Modeled after similar international commissions, its purpose is to establish truth, promote accountability, extend compassion, and help the country move forward with honesty.

The proposed commission aims to investigate the full extent of the war on drugs, providing a venue for victims, families, and witnesses to be heard and for law enforcers to speak freely about cases.

It could also encourage full disclosure from law enforcers, review unresolved cases, recommend reparations and institutional reforms, and provide psychosocial support.

The government states about 6,000 deaths in the drug war, while human rights groups estimate over 20,000.

Cardinal David highlighted that corruption connected to these killings has not received sufficient attention.

David suggested that members of the commission should be selected from various civil society organizations and the Commission on Human Rights, and that government authorities may file charges based on the collected information.