Families of drug war victims hold mass after Duterte's ICC arrest

Families of individuals killed during Rodrigo Duterte's drug war gathered at Sacred Heart Parish in Kamuning, Quezon City, for a thanksgiving and healing mass upon the former president's arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday.

Among those present was Randy delos Santos, uncle of Kian delos Santos, a 17-year-old killed during a police operation in August 2017, who emphasized that unlike his nephew, Duterte has been given an opportunity to defend himself before the ICC.

Security footage contradicted police claims that Kian resisted arrest, showing officers dragging him into an alley and shooting him. Three policemen were later convicted for Kian's murder.

Randy noted that Kian was never given a chance to prove his innocence in court, while Duterte faces crimes against humanity charges before the ICC.

The families expressed relief and gratitude for what they see as long-awaited justice, with Randy stating it is an 'answered prayer for justice'.