Holland-based Filipino priest calls for love, peace amid tensions over Duterte's ICC case

THE HAGUE — A Filipino Catholic priest based in the Netherlands has called on the Filipino diaspora to stay united amid rising tensions over former President Rodrigo Duterte’s case before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“Mag-isip nang mabuti, be critical. Huwag masyado magpadala sa feelings, especially sa politics,” the priest, who requested anonymity, told GMA Integrated News after celebrating an anticipated Mass on Saturday.

(Think clearly, be critical. Do not be swayed much by feelings, especially in politics.)

“We are for unity, we are for love, we are for justice also, we are for peace. So, kung ipagpatuloy ninyo madala sila ng kalaban I mean, the devil, you know walang mangyayari.”

(So if you will continue allowing the devil to have his way, nothing will happen.)

The priest, who serves a Filipino Catholic community in The Hague, said he has received messages and phone calls in recent weeks, with some pressuring him to take a stand.

“[Marami nang] dumating sa akin na mga mensahe, mga call na ini-impose 'yung mga opinions nila,” he said. “And I’ve been telling them that ‘I am for the Church. I am for the Lord. I am for unity.’”

(I received many messages and calls wherein they impose their opinions.)

The priest shared how some Dutch locals have asked him why some Filipinos continue to support Duterte despite his alleged crimes. The priest has also refrained from responding politically and has highlighted the need for due process and fairness instead.

“May proseso kasi ito. Kaya nga [narito] si former president [Duterte] para litisin at mabigyan ng justice [ang mga biktima ng drug war]. Malalaman natin [ang] katotohanan. 'Yung mga politicians, darating at aalis ‘yan. But our relationship in the church will stay.”

(There is a process. That is why the former president is here to undergo trial and for justice to be served. We will know the truth. Politicians will come and go, but our relationship in the church will stay.)

Reflecting on Lent

The priest also called on Filipinos to remain critical and reflect on the Lenten season amid the impact of Duterte’s ICC case and other political issues in the Philippines.

“[May] nag-aaway na sa social media, nag-a-unfriend sa Facebook. Sayang 'yung friendship. Ilang taon kayong may mga birthdays na sine-celebrate … tapos mawawala lang dahil sa iyong political stance.”

(There are those who quarrel on social media and unfriend each other on Facebook. It's sad to lose a friendship. You celebrated many birthdays over the years then all these will be gone because of your political stance.)

Meanwhile, the former president has said he is leaving his fate to God, in a stark turn from his remarks against the Catholic Church during his presidency.

“Sabi niya, ‘Ipapasa-Diyos ko na 'yan lahat. Kung anong mangyari sa buhay ko, so be it,’” Vice President Sara Duterte told GMA Integrated News and supporters of the former president after her scheduled visit to the Hague Penitentiary Institution on Friday afternoon.

(He said, ''I am entrusting everything to God. Whatever happens to my life, so be it.'')

When asked to comment on the former president’s statement, which was delivered to his supporters by Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday, the priest responded: “God is love, but He is also just. So, the truth will also come out.”

He also pointed out that The Hague and the Netherlands are a place for justice.

“Ang maganda na nga dito, may justice dito. Naniniwala ako sa batas ng Diyos. Pero [naniniwala rin ako] sa batas ng tao. And [most] especially, we are in a place na neutral lahat,” the priest said.

(What's good is that there is justice here. I believe in the law of God. But I also believe in the law of man. And especially, we are in a place where it is neutral.)

Former President Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained at the Hague Penitentiary Institute to face his case of crimes against humanity at the ICC linked to his administration’s war on drugs. His arrest and presence in The Hague has stirred sentiments among overseas Filipinos in Europe, with both supporters and critics mobilizing ahead of court proceedings. —KG, GMA Integrated News