Bayan Muna pushes justice for EJK victims in White Ribbon Campaign

2 DEATH TOLLS The phrase “extrajudicial killings” has been applied both to the victims of the Duterte drug war and those of politically motivated attacks, some of them memorialized here at Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City. INQUIRER file photo / Lyn Rillon

MANILA, Philippines — Bayan Muna on Easter Sunday urged the public to join the White Ribbon Campaign—a symbolic effort to remember and demand justice for all victims of alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and human rights violations, particularly under the administration of arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a statement, former Bayan Muna Congressman Neri Colmenares said, “Ngayong Linggo ng Pagkabuhay, inaanyayahan namin ang lahat ng BM leaders, members, volunteers, at supporters na sumali sa White Ribbon campaign.”

(This Easter Sunday, we invite all BM leaders, members, volunteers, and supporters to join the White Ribbon campaign.)

“Mag-post lang ng picture na may white ribbon o video ng inyong pagtali nito sa mga pampublikong lugar. Maaari din kayong mamigay ng white ribbons sa mga matataong lugar upang ipanawagan ang hustisya para sa mga biktima ng mga EJK,” he continued.

(Just post a picture with a white ribbon or a video of you tying it in public places. You can also distribute white ribbons in crowded areas to call for justice for the victims of EJK.)

Colmenares also emphasized that this Catholic observance carries political and moral messages, urging a commitment to defend human rights and uphold the dignity of life.

“This Easter Sunday, our message is one of hope and the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness. It is the resurrection of the people from oppression, exploitation, and poverty. The white ribbon reminds us that justice must prevail and that we must never forget the victims,” he said.

READ: Duterte: I want to die in my country

The former president was arrested in Manila on March 11. He was flown the same day to The Hague, Netherlands, to face trial for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his administration’s drug war.

Duterte made his first appearance at his pretrial hearing last March 14, three days after his arrest in Manila.

He was unable to attend physically and only participated in the pretrial via video link.

His administration’s drug war claimed at least 6,000 lives, according to official government data.