Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude for the burial of his father at the Libingan ng mga Bayani during former president Rodrigo Duterte's administration. However, he emphasized that this gratitude does not justify ignoring allegations of extrajudicial killings (EJKs), as stated by Malaca±ang on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified President Marcos' stance following claims by Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte that the current administration prioritized 'political vengeance over gratitude' after the former president's arrest. In a press briefing, Castro reiterated that Marcos valued Duterte's efforts in facilitating his father's burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

President Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude to former president Duterte, acknowledging his goodwill in the burial process. However, Castro emphasized that being grateful does not mean overlooking serious accusations. She stated that gratitude should not lead to the tolerance or dismissal of criminal allegations and the serious issue of EJKs.

Castro also noted that the burial of Marcos Sr. was conducted legally and upheld by the Supreme Court. Addressing Vice President Sara Duterte's comments about public anger over her father's arrest, Castro pointed out that not all Filipinos share this sentiment.

She explained that Duterte's arrest was part of a process aiming to bring justice to the victims of alleged EJKs and to Duterte himself. Many complaints were filed by Filipinos with the International Criminal Court, seeking justice they felt was not attained during Duterte's tenure.

Castro conveyed that human rights advocates and those opposing the killings linked to Duterte's war on drugs are not angry but are persistent in their fight. On March 12, 2025, Duterte was surrendered to the ICC by Philippine authorities, following the arrest warrant issued by the court for alleged crimes against humanity during his drug war.