Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles has released a pastoral statement for the Archdiocese of Davao faithful calling for fairness, dignity, and unity amid national division over former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and transfer to The Hague, Netherlands.
The archbishop emphasizes the need for due process, impartial justice, and the rejection of hatred and division, stressing that the Church prays for Duterte and his family while calling for accountability and reconciliation.
“In this time of uncertainty and discord, the Catholic Church remains steadfast as a beacon of faith, hope, and charity. United as one people, we recognize the pain and frustration felt across the land, including the suffering of those who consider themselves victims of injustice in the past,” Valles’ statement read.
Valles further said that there is a need for this case to be pursued with fairness and integrity and that the church will remain free from partisan political motivations or even personal vendettas.
He then urges the government to uphold due process and adhere to the rule of law as well as respect the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence. He also stressed that it is only through commitment to justice that true peace would be achieved.
The pastoral statement then quoted a bible verse Micah 6:8 which says, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
It further stated that the mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel of the Lord and encourage everyone to uphold the truth as a way to safeguard the dignity of humanity and promote the common good.
“We, therefore, call upon you, our faithful here in the archdiocese, to reject hatred and division, choosing instead the path of dialogue over discord, and reconciliation over conflict,” it said.
Valles hopes, that in this critical moment of history in the Philippines, people would pray and “seek the mercy and guidance of the Holy Spirit and that the Virgin Mary would lead the country to genuine justice and lasting peace.”
Former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, through a warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged crimes against humanity during his administration.
Duterte was then transported from the Philippines to the Hague in the Netherlands where he faced a pre-trial on March 14 through online video.
The arrest of the former president resulted in multiple peace rallies nationwide, particularly in Davao City, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Northern Mindanao, among many other areas. RGP
