MANILA – In solidarity with the families of victims of the former president Duterte’s so-called “war on drugs,” the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) held a Mass for Justice and Truth on February 22, 2026 at the Our Lady of Remedies Parish in Malate, Manila.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, chairperson of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace (ECSA-JP), celebrated the mass. During the homily, Alminaza recalled how thousands of lives were lost in the drug war and how this made the lives of the poor disposable. These, he said, are “grave violations of human rights.”

“Standing with the poor has always come with a cost,” Alminaza said. “But silence in the face of injustice costs even more. Truth must prevail.”

Alminaza said that many families continue to experience fear and uncertainty for speaking out about their loss.

This fear was also experienced by Dahlia Cuartero, mother of drug war victim Jesus Daboy. During the homily, Cuartero said that she was harassed by Duterte supporters who sent messages through her social media account.

Families of the victims thanked the CBCP and other supporters. They also affirmed their determination to continue seeking accountability.

Purisima Dacumos, widow of Danilo, who was killed in their home on August 4, 2017, shared in Filipino, “We, the poor without connections, power, or money, make up the majority of the victims of tokhang. The support of the Church strengthened our resolve to fight for justice for our loved ones.”

Dacumos said that they remain vigilant amid what they see as attempts to evade accountability. “Sara Duterte even dreams of becoming president to save her father. Whatever they do, they cannot erase Digong’s crimes. He should be held accountable,” she added in Filipino.

In a statement, the CBCP stressed that seeking accountability is not an act of vengeance but a moral responsibility rooted in the dignity of every human life. When lives are lost without due process and families are left without answers, CBCP said that the wound is not only personal as it becomes national.

The CBCP called Duterte supporters to always respect due process and the rule of law.

The mass was held a day before the start of the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmation of charges hearing against Duterte for crimes against humanity in The Hague, Netherlands. (AMU, DAA)