Civilian-led EJK Truth Commission launched

MANILA, Philippines — An independent, civilian-led EJK Truth Commission was formally launched on Wednesday to document abuses linked to the bloody drug war, nearly a decade after thousands of deaths sparked global condemnation and continuing calls for justice. 

In a press briefing at the Archbishop’s Palace on Wednesday, commission chair Judge Raul Pangalangan, said that the “goal is to hear the victims tell their stories, to recognize their fundamental humanity and what they went through.”“I would like to emphasize that, for the ICC, the end of the process is of course either the acquittal of the accused or a declaration of guilt, and eventually reparations for the victims,” said Pangalangan, who served as an International Criminal Court judge from 2015 to 2021.

“For us, however, our goal is to establish the truth hand in hand with the victims,” he added.

READ: Cardinal David, kin of drug war victims want truth body

Cardinal Pablo “Ambo” David will serve as adviser to the commission, providing independent moral and institutional guidance to help protect the body’s integrity, independence, and mandate.

“The truth must be protected not only as a matter of record, but as a matter of dignity for the families who have carried these stories for years. The EJK Truth Commission exists so these stories can be heard, verified, preserved and acted upon,” said David.

Dr. Raquel Barros del Rosario-Fortun, commissioner for forensic sciences and independent investigation, will lead efforts on fact-finding standards, forensic review procedures, and evidence protection.

Dr. Al Fuertes, commissioner for psychosocial support and trauma healing, will guide trauma-informed practices, survivor protection measures, psychosocial protocols, and recovery support.

Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario, commissioner for church and education, truth literacy, and institutional reform will oversee truth literacy initiatives, prevention programs, public education, and institutional reform recommendations.

Carlos Conde, commissioner for public documentation, transparency, and democratic accountability, will supervise standards for public documentation, reporting, accessibility, transparency, and nonpartisan public communication.

Central to the commission’s work will be the conduct of Public Truth Hearings, which may be held publicly, semi-publicly, privately, anonymously, or through representative participation depending on survivor consent, security concerns, and risk assessments. 

The commission will also prepare evidence-based recommendations and referral-ready packages for relevant institutions. The Commission on Human Rights, National Police Commission (Napolcom), Department of Justice, and the National Bureau of Investigation are among the relevant bodies.

Periodic reports containing findings and recommendations are expected to be submitted every six months to institutions such as Napolcom, Congress, and the Office of the President.

More understanding

In a statement by Rise Up for Life and for Rights on Wednesday, kin of drug war victims said they plan to seek a dialogue with the newly formed Truth Commission to better understand its plans and direction. 

“What is their framework of ‘reconciliation’? There is plenty that we still need to know, but will they be able to unmask it? Our focus is on the International Criminal Court,” said Llore Pasco, mother of victims Crisanto and Juan Carlos Lozano.Pasco said the victims’ relatives had pushed for victim representation and at least 50% women in the proposed truth commission panel, but the announced body includes only one woman, forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun, and no victim representative.“We have high regard for some of the civil society leaders named for the panel. We appreciate that they want to help. We all want the truth to come out. Most of the truth that we need is with the police and other witnesses. Will this body be able to surface such truth?” said Pasco.“Here in the Philippines, President (Ferdinand) Marcos Jr. should be helping us in seeking justice, but we must remember that any ‘Truth Commission’ should include killings under his administration too,” said Jane Lee, wife of victim Michael Lee.

Jane Lee said any truth commission should not only investigate drug war-related killings but also cases involving farmers, workers, women, youth, and human rights defenders.

While their families remain focused on the proceedings before the ICC, Lee said they are open to seeing how the newly formed civilian-led body could contribute to efforts toward justice, truth, and accountability in the Philippines. /das