A Holy Mass was held for the families of victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) at the House of Representatives Friday morning, with many people describing it as a poignant moment of solidarity and hope especially for family and friends of those killed in the bloody drug war of the Duterte administration.
Officiated by Father Joel Saballa, with Fr. Noel Gatchalian, Fr. Joselito Sarabia, and Fr. Christian Sambajon, the Mass brought together close to 100 family members of EJK victims at the People’s Center, with Fr. Noel Gatchalian delivering a heartfelt homily focusing on the concept of restorative justice and the importance of restoring dignity to the victims of these injustices.
Fr. Saballa opened the Mass by expressing gratitude for the opportunity for the families of EJK victims to gather and be heard.
“Ngayon din po ay natitipon tayo bilang pasalamat sa pagtugon sa dasal nating sa unang pagkakataon, maririnig na ng buong bansa ang boses ng pamilya ng mga namatayan dala ng extrajudicial killings,” Fr. Saballa said.
“Lubos ang pasasalamat ng mga pamilya na sa pagkakataong ito’y magtipon-tipon, dala-dala ang mga pangarap, dala-dala ang mga hangarin na makamit ng mga nangamatay (ang hustisya) ng walang kalaban-laban sa kamay po ng mga nasa poder nang nakaraan,” he added.
This heartfelt expression highlighted the hope that, despite the challenges, justice will eventually prevail for their lost loved ones.
“Tayo’y manalangin at ipagdasal natin ang ating mga lider ng ating bansa na ngayon ay tumutulong sa atin upang makamit ang hustisya ng ating pong mga kababayan na pinaslang ng karumal-dumal,” Fr. Saballa expressed.
Fr. Gatchalian’s homily resonated with the call for restorative justice and the pursuit of truth.
“Alam naman natin na unti-unti nating nararating ang katotohanan, at nagkakaroon tayo ng lakas upang isiwalat ang katotohanan. Ang katotohanan na ang pinakamapait at masakit na yugto sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas ay ang tinatawag na pekeng war on drugs,” Fr. Gatchalian said.
His message was a call for truth-telling and accountability for the countless lives lost.
The Mass for EJK victims and families came hours before the 8th Quad Committee hearing on EJKs, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and illegal drug syndicates.
The hearings have delved deep into the systemic issues surrounding extrajudicial killings, uncovering details that have shaped the narrative around the so-called "war on drugs" and the alleged abuses that accompanied it.
Fr. Gatchalian further urged that the innocence of those wrongfully killed must be honored, saying, “Marami po ang inosenteng pinaslang at karapat-dapat lamang na sila ay bigyan ng katarungnan.”
The event highlighted the critical importance of compassion, truth and justice in addressing the tragedies brought about by extrajudicial killings, serving as a reminder that while progress has been made, much work remains in the pursuit of true restorative justice.
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