We are the youth and we are afraid. The killing of Kian Loyd delos Santos has created a frightening atmosphere for each and every one of us. President Duterte’s “advocacy” is not the change that we wanted because these extrajudicial killings do not only execute lives, but also murder justice. If we continue to live in a country built upon violence and inhumanity, what will our future be?
We are the youth and we are angry. We are angry because ordinary people are accused of crimes and are killed without having the right to due process. Life is being played with, and our lives are being held in the hands of those who do not seem to value it. Our national police is sworn to protect each citizen, yet recent events have illustrated the lack of moral authority. From our perspective, the government hopes to reach an ideal future for our country through these executions, yet this completely takes away that possibility for many.
We are the youth and we are ready. Although these actions fill us with anger and fear, these sentiments will not hinder us from battling these unjust measures. We are ready to be the change that we believe is necessary for our country. With a lack of protection and welfare from those accountable of it, we shall ensure that the power of our speech will restore dignity back to our nation. We are ready to take a stand against the measures on the war on drugs in order to bring back the humanity that has shamefully been lost. We are the youth and we are ready to fight for those who can no longer fight for themselves.
TRINI DACO, BELLA GIRONELLA, CHESCA SARMIENTO, ANDY VELASCO, AMAYA LACSON AND JULIANA SALAZAR