Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Caloocan has appealed to the government to establish a National Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate the thousands of killings linked to the previous administration’s war‑on‑drugs campaign. He emphasized that this is not about revenge, but about truth‑telling, recognition, and healing for families who still live with trauma and unanswered questions.
He noted that many families in his diocese—often considered ground zero for such killings—continue to suffer from the loss of their loved ones, loss of trust in public institutions, and the absence of closure. The proposed commission would provide a safe venue for victims, review unresolved cases, recommend reparations, and promote reforms to prevent future abuses.
According to Cardinal David, truth‑telling is not an act of reopening wounds but the only way those wounds can truly heal. With so many cases still unresolved and systemic issues remaining, he said, a comprehensive, civilian‑led body would help restore dignity, trust and moral clarity within the nation.