2 more EJK victims laid to better resting place

The healing process for the families of the victims of the Duterte administration’s drug war continues as two more extra-judicial killing (EJK) victims were laid to a better resting place on Thursday.

In Oscar Oida’s report in “24 Oras,” relatives were emotional earlier today as they placed the urns of their loved ones at the Shrine of Healing in La Loma Catholic Cemetery, Caloocan.

This forms part of the healing process, especially since they were unable to properly grieve the victims, whose remains had to undergo autopsy before cremation.

“We know that back when they were holding wakes, it was difficult and almost impossible because there were death threats lingering, the killers were loitering nearby, there was a lack of money, and there was the heavy trauma of the loss. It was so hard to grieve then. So, we return the remains to them so they can be with their loved ones — even for just a month — before we finally inurn them,” said Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, founder of Program Paghilom.

The families of Edward Sentorias and Joshua Fernandez felt a bit of peace after they were finally given a proper burial.

“Wherever he may be now, I hope he guides us down here, and I hope he is happy wherever he has gone,” said Yolanda Sentorias, mother of Edward.

The recent confirmation by the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber of all charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte is also expected to aid in the healing process.

“I hope the proceedings against him continue; for people like us who have no money to fight him, I hope there will be justice for the many people he had killed,” said Yolanda.

“Perhaps it is high time that we bury the madness; let us bury all the lies," said Villanueva. "Let us allow truth and justice to live and remain with us.”

It can be recalled that before the ICC trial can begin, the former president’s legal team is seeking permission to appeal Pre-Trial Chamber I’s confirmation of all charges against Duterte — specifically for crimes against humanity, of murder and attempted murder.

They argued that the scope of the cases against Duterte remains unclear and that the explanation regarding the evidence presented was insufficient.

Should the trial proceed, British Judge Joanna Korner will serve as the presiding judge. She has an extensive experience in handling cases of crimes against humanity and genocide, having served as a judge and barrister in criminal courts for over 45 years. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA News