To the police: how about the mothers of victims of extrajudicial killings?

She was born poor.

She passed away without seeing the dawn of justice for her son, a pedicab driver, and scavenger who was killed in Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. All her life she struggled to survive and since social services are wanting, her health succumbed to sickness in a lonely public hospital bed.

Prayers via Messenger were offered, as she tried to pray to the highest heavens for little comfort. Her fragile bones could no longer hold her muscles, and yes, death could meet her as her way to peace at the bosom of the Creator.

While struggling to breathe in and take the needed air for her to feel she was still surviving, news about the Philippine National Police being involved in the illegal drug trade was all over the media. Truly, the war on drugs was but a sham approach to solving the problem. Whether it is 6,000 or 30,000 or only one that died, the war on drugs that targeted the poor was not only a failure. There was blood on the hands of the previous government officials under Duterte. If the war on drugs has been successful, then the government must explain why the drug trade continues to exist, and worse, PNP personnel are even involved. Is it not ironic that after the murder of thousands, the trade continues and those involved are the officers of the PNP?

Her remains will lie in the community where the sun shines and exposes poverty with muddy alleys littered with waste and dirt, longing for the freshness of a new morn. At a quick glance, one could already feel a sense of awe at how people survive. These communities must be revisited and the war on drugs that caused so many killings and untimely deaths reviewed for accountability.

The extravagance of abuse and injustice cannot be underestimated when the families in their impoverishment were witnesses to the killings and the denial of injustice. Yet the powers and principalities are free to keep their business as usual. While the poor are in their usual waiting and wanting justice.

There are other mothers in their humble situation whose weak bodies gave up. Their hope though strong, they bid goodbye for eternity without a glimpse of justice for their sons.

As the corruption and abuses by the elements of PNP and the privilege granted to them have been exposed, where will the poor find hope?

The prices of commodities and fares are getting higher. There are threats of increase in electric and water service charges while wages are low and the cost of health is so dear. Funeral services are unaffordable. There is no stability to think of.

Stability springs from a government that has a genuine desire to deliver social justice and holds a particular bias in alleviating the suffering of the poor.

We know. The stories will never be forgotten and the blood that spilled to the ground screams for mercy and justice.

WE MUST NOT FORGET.

Norma P. Dollaga,

Kapatirang Simbahan Para sa Bayan

[email protected]