Duterte鈥檚 arrest an abuse? Priest says ex-president was the abuser
Fr. Flaviano “Flavie” Villanueva FILE PHOTO FROM DUTCH EMBASSY IN MANILA
MANILA, Philippines — Claims of abuse during the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte are unfounded as an arrest order from the International Criminal Court (ICC) was available, Catholic priest Flavie Villanueva said on Tuesday.
Instead of Duterte being abused, Villanueva reminded the public that it was the former president who conducted the human rights abuses during his administration’s war against illegal drugs.
“Ito po ang masasabi ko sa mga nagsasabi na si Duterte ay inabuso,” Villanueva said in an interview at the Sacred Heart Parish in Quezon City, while holding up a copy of the ICC arrest order. “Ito po, International Criminal Court. Walang tao at bayan na nagdidikta doon.”
(This is what I have to say for those claiming Duterte was abused. This is from the International Criminal Court. No man nor country can dictate its movements.)
“Kaya ito, ito sa inyo. Paano siya inabuso? Trenta-mil nga ang pinatay niya eh, ni-singko, dalawa o tatlo lang yata ang nahatulan, homicide pa. Paanong abuso ‘yon? Hindi abuso ‘yon, siya ang nang abuso sa bayan,” he added.
(This is for you. How was he abused? He killed 30,000 people, there was no conviction for at least five, I think only two or three cases had decisions, and some were ruled homicide. How is the arrest an abuse? That is not an abuse, he is the one who abused the nation.)
Several of Duterte’s close allies and relatives believe there was abuse of power committed when the former president was arrested Tuesday morning. In a post on his personal Facebook page, Duterte’s son and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte said that police officers are illegally detaining the former president.
“It seems to me that they are trying to murder the old man,” he claimed.
Election issue
But aside from claims of abuses, Villanueva also considers Duterte’s arrest as an election issue — saying that he hopes that this development signals changes in how Filipinos pick candidates for the May 2025 midterm elections.
“Let us not forget that the next election is connected to this victory now. Let us not forget that this is just the start of a long journey towards healing, restoring order in our country, justice, and peace,” he said.
“If you are a Christian believer, you would not believe, and you would not vote for people supporting killings and lies, and lack of peace in our lives. […] I hope this warrant also warrants the end of attempts to trick the Filipino people,” he added.
Duterte was held earlier at Naia Terminal 3 after the Philippine National Police (PNP) assisted in implementing the International Criminal Police Organization red notice for the ICC arrest order. This is for the crimes against humanity of mass murder charges filed against the ex-leader, due to his involvement in the drug war.
According to his close ally, Senator Bong Go, the former president was brought to the Villamor Air Base.
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Over the weekend, there were rumors already that the ICC will soon issue an arrest order for Duterte. During this time, the former president, his relatives and key allies, flew to Hong Kong to meet overseas Filipino workers.
In Hong Kong, the older Duterte addressed talks on the arrest order, saying that his actions during the war on illegal drugs were for the Philippines’ benefit.
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However, several official and independent investigations of the drug war have shown that there were many instances where innocent individuals were dragged into the anti-drug operations. In August 2017, 17-year-old Kian delos Santos was summarily executed in Caloocan City even if he was not the original target of the operation.
The three police officers involved in the killing of delos Santos were convicted of murder.
READ: 3 policemen guilty of killing Kian delos Santos — court
Then last August 2024, the House of Representatives’ quad committee started an extensive probe on the drug war and other issues. The four panels eventually recommended the filing of crimes against humanity complaints against Duterte and his key allies for allegedly committing EJKs in the anti-drug campaign.
In one of the hearings, it was revealed by former police colonel Royina Garma that Duterte called him in May 2016 about setting up a rewards system for police officers who would kill drug suspects.
READ: Garma bares monetary reward range under ‘Davao drug war template’
Earlier, Villanueva said that today — March 11, 2025 — is a testament to the promise that justice and light will always prevail.
The Sacred Heart Parish is one of the several Catholic churches across Metro Manila that held thanksgiving masses after Duterte’s arrest at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia). Earlier, another holy mass was held at the Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish in Payatas, Quezon City.
Parish priest Bong Sarabia said they were surprised with the developments earlier, prompting parishioners to convene and call for a thanksgiving mass.
