Foot soldiers beware

The conviction of three street-level cops for the murder of Kian delos Santos should stand as a warning to state forces that they are not beyond the law; more importantly, we hope it will act like a splinter of truth to be lodged in the conscience of soldiers and cops throughout the archipelago.

In the dangerous and deadly schemes of President Duterte, the entire country will lose. Duterte’s so-called “War on Drugs” or other similar killing sprees must be met with sober evaluation: will we, as a nation, follow the path of evil?

This is an essential moment for police officers and soldiers to examine their conscience and their humanity. The rule of law must be followed. To step beyond this is to commit murder. But even more, our collective humanity and essence as a people is at stake.

Continuing to follow the path of wanton murder and vicious bloodshed is to damn yourselves and generations to come. Children of your victims will grow up as orphans: the intensified poverty will plunge them into even more difficult circumstances. Your own children will be affected by the blood on your hands, with deep-reaching stains.

We must choose a better way. Addressing the roots of poverty and drug use is essential to bring healing in our land. We should resist the calls for bloodshed and annihilation and insist on upright adherence to due process and respect for the life and dignity for every Filipino. In rejecting war and killing, we instead embrace a collective responsibility for healing and peacebuilding in our country.

On this day, when three police officers have been convicted for murder, let it settle into your mind: should you proceed to make a deal with the devil and continue your killings, the consequences of this hell will await you.--Rise Up for Life and For Rights