Manila: The Senate has allowed the staging of the Museo ng Paghilom exhibit on Monday, providing a venue to present the stories of victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and their families who continue to seek truth, justice, and healing. Sen. Risa Hontiveros emphasized the importance of bringing the experiences of EJK victims' families to the broader public through the Senate.
According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros expressed her support for the initiative, stating, 'Nakikiisa po ako sa pagnanais nila na dalhin sa ating buong lipunan ang mga kuwento ng mga nasawing biktima ng extrajudicial killings at kanilang mga pamilyang naiwan na naghahanap pa rin ng katotohanan, hustisya, at paghilom (I join them in their desire to bring to the whole of society the stories of those killed in extrajudicial killings and the families left behind who are still seeking truth, justice, and healing).' She extended her gratitude to the Senate leadership for approving Project Paghilom's request to mount the exhibit.
Project Paghilom convenor Fr. Flavie Villanueva highlighted the connection between healing, truth-seeking, and accountability. 'Ang kabuuan ng paghilom ay hindi puwedeng ihiwalay sa katotohanan at sa usaping accountability (True healing cannot be separated from truth and the issue of accountability),' Villanueva stated. He noted that the exhibit serves as a platform for families of EJK victims to share their experiences, not to seek sympathy but to convey the necessity for truth, justice, and national healing.
