Quezon: The creation of a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate alleged extrajudicial killings during the anti-illegal drugs campaign of former president Rodrigo Duterte is being advocated by Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima. The proposed commission aims to uncover comprehensive details related to the campaign, including the identities of those involved, the mechanisms employed, and any reward systems for implementers.

According to Philippines News Agency, De Lima stated that while the International Criminal Court (ICC) is conducting its own investigation, it cannot be expected to cover all aspects of the issue. She emphasized the need for a national body to address the responsibilities of middle-level officers and other officials who implemented the campaign. De Lima’s office is actively preparing a bill to establish and institutionalize this truth commission, with plans to file it as early as January.

She highlighted that the truth commission would offer a more comprehensive and far-reaching approach than the ICC, focusing on uncovering the full extent of the truth, including the number of victims. De Lima underscored the importance of holding accountable not only the highest officials but also those at various levels who played a role in the campaign.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of the Diocese of Kalookan has also called on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to form a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate the alleged killings. David emphasized that the goal of the commission would not be vengeance, but rather to establish the truth and provide victims with an opportunity to move forward and find support.