A report in this paper said a group of lawyers has organized an alliance to challenge the war on drugs that has killed thousands
(“Legal eagles lead anti-EJK alliance,” 11/3/17).
The names of a former dean of the UP College of Law, a chair of the Free Legal Assistance Group, a former dean of the Ateneo School of Government, a former senator, a former representative, and a president of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers were mentioned as the organizers. Their names and expertise in the field of law are more than enough to give hope to the families of victims and Filipinos in general that justice is coming.
The victims’ families know that extrajudicial killing was committed in the process of apprehending their loved ones, but they must also know that proving such is difficult or almost impossible without witnesses. Of course it is understandable that potential witnesses to EJKs may be intimidated, but they should be brave to come out in the open to support the lawyers in the name of justice.
The alliance should be ready because this is a big and long fight against policemen and politicians in power.
ARSENIO UNAJAN BAQUILID, DM, arseniobaquilid@yahoo.com