A new civilian-backed initiative dedicated to documenting the stories of victims of alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and providing their families a pathway toward healing and dignity was officially introduced on Wednesday.
Known as the “Truth Commission on EJKs,” the independent body is convened by Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, with former International Criminal Court (ICC) judge Raul Pangalangan stepping in as its chairperson.
During the launch, David emphasized the importance of giving a platform to the marginalized casualties of the drug war.
“Bigyan natin ang boses, ang tinig, ang mga nawalan. Pakinggan natin ang kanilang mga kwento. Gunitahin natin ang kanilang buhay. Ilawan natin ang katotohanan, (Let us give a voice, a tongue, to those who lost someone. Let us listen to their stories. Let us remember their lives. Let us shed light on the truth)” David stated.
The commission’s roster includes high-profile advocates and experts: human rights researcher Carlos Conde, forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun, peacebuilding practitioner Al Furtes, and theologian Daniel Franklin Pilario.
According to Conde, the group aims to push for institutional accountability while preserving the historical truth of the killings.
“Dahil ang katotohanan ay hindi lang para sa kasaysayan, kundi ito ay maging sa dignidad ng mga tao, pananagutan ng mga institusyon at paghilom ng mga tao, (Because the truth is not just for history, but it is also for the dignity of the people, the accountability of institutions, and the healing of the people)” Conde explained.
David further clarified that the commission’s core mission is to establish a secure and supportive environment where grieving families can openly process their trauma.
“Hangga’t may sugat na patuloy na nagdurugo at hangga’t hindi kinikilala ang mga sugat, lungkot, trauma, at pangungulila, hindi rin po tunay na makapaghilom ang ating bayan, (As long as there is a wound that continues to bleed and as long as the wounds, sadness, trauma, and bereavement are not acknowledged, our nation cannot truly heal)” the cardinal added.
Pangalangan noted that the body would systematically compile these testimonies into a comprehensive final report, which will eventually be distributed to government agencies, civil society groups, and the general public.
“That is for them (victims) to tell their story before the commission, for their story to be recorded, for history to be shared with others. And of course, our final report will be shared with civil society, with the public,” Pangalangan said.
Dr. Fortun also pointed out that the initiative presents a crucial opportunity to investigate the cases of forgotten victims whose remains were never identified or claimed by relatives.
“Ang may records ay yung merong pamilya. May ilan sa mga pinatay ay walang nag-claim, unidentified. I’m looking for the opportunity to look for them, (Those who have records are the ones who have families. Some of those who were killed were unclaimed, unidentified. I’m looking for the opportunity to look for them)” Fortun said.