THE ASSOCIATION of Women in Theology (Awit) calls on President Duterte to uphold human dignity and respect human rights in its campaign against illegal drugs. We believe it is possible to end the drug menace without sacrificing our deep desire to uphold and protect the sanctity of life.
We are women, we feel the pain and agony of mothers, sisters, families, kith and kin who have lost their loved ones—having been victimized by people who use drugs. We are actively engaged in ministries that help the poor and promote the elimination of violence. We, too, dream of a society where drug problems do not exist, and people live healthy lives and their well-being are taken care of.
Statistics clearly show an upsurge in the number of “drug suspects” getting killed, but most of them are poor and destitute. Government does have the obligation to punish and stop those who are behind the illegal drug industry in the Philippines. But the reality is, rich and powerful drug lords remain scot-free.
The government’s response to the illegal drug trade has been bloody, violent and selective as most of the targets are poor and helpless. Making matters worse is the culture of violence seemingly becoming pervasive in our everyday lives, given the cheering and dignifying of the spate of killings, as may be gleaned from media reports and commentaries. Whether the killers are government forces, vigilante groups or members and collaborators of the drug syndicates themselves, we condemn the senseless killings. Due process must be upheld. We further demand that police forces involved in the killings of innocent people in the name of the “war on drugs” must be held accountable.
We are women and we believe that the drug problem must be seen in the context of extreme poverty of the people and those thriving and taking advantage of their deprivation. As long as people are made to wallow in deep poverty, and denied access to basic social services, just wages and decent employment; as long as those who till the land remain landless and indigenous peoples are militarized in their ancestral lands; as long as politicians engage in corruption, yet remain in power and untouched; as long as a certain few wallow in luxury while millions are dying of hunger—the ills of this society, including drug use, will persist.
The solution is not violent, massive killings that result in encouraging others to kill with impunity. The solution is to create a condition where people can live decent and empowered lives.
Awit commends the efforts of many religious congregations and institutions to offer their resources for programs aimed at rehabilitating drug users and dependents. We fervently call on other churches, religious institutions and nongovernment organizations to do the same as we firmly believe that there is always hope for people to change their ways and make amends.
We likewise challenge government to provide the resources for the rehabilitation programs that will cater especially to our young people.
Better yet, address squarely the roots of the social ills that perpetuate poverty among our people.
We know that government, together with the people, can do many things, especially in light of the various reforms that President Duterte would want to implement and achieve. In doing so, may we never lose sight of what is honorable, just, pure, pleasing and commendable (Philippians 4:8). And that is upholding the fullness of life for all, especially for the least and the victimized.
REV. RHEA BITACURA-LOQUIAS, national co-coordinator, DARLENE MARQUEZ-CARAMANZANA, national co-coordinator, Association of Women in Theology, awit.national@gmail.com