The Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines (CMSP) said that the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte is a "ray of hope" for the families of drug war victims to achieve justice.

The CMSP, Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission, and mission partners held a thanksgiving mass and gathering for families of extrajudicial Killing (EJK) victims with the theme “Pagbangon sa Hapag ng Pag-asa” (Rising at the Table of Hope).

CMSP Executive Secretary Fr. Angel Contez said the gathering is "a glimpse of hope that the family (of the war of drug victims) will truly achieve justice once Duterte is imprisoned"

"This is important because the enjoyment of justice is not individual but communal for us who worked so that Duterte could actually reach the point where he is today", Contez added.

The gathering "embodies the journey of these families?moving from grief to solidarity, from loss to renewed strength", CMSP said.

It featured a thanksgiving mass where family members offered the photos of their loved ones who were war on drugs victims beside the image of Jesus the Poor and was accompanied by an offering of white flowers and blessings, "signifying both remembrance and the prayer for justice and peace". The mass was followed by a fellowship and sharing session with families and concluded with a communal lunch. Marie Manalili/DMS