This Christmas season, Senator Leila M. de Lima wishes nothing less for her country but an end to the extrajudicial killings brought about by the all-out brutal war on drugs.
De Lima, a known human rights defender, said more than any material present, lasting peace and safety can still be the best gift every Filipino can receive on Christmas.
“Christmas is indeed one of the most anticipated holidays in the Philippines where Filipino families traditionally spend time together over good food and good stories. But may we also remember that Christmas this year, as with last year, brings sadness and grief to many of our countrymen who will not be with their loved ones killed in the drug war,” she said.
“This season is the perfect time for the government to heed people’s call to end the killings in the country to prevent more casualties, and remember that the campaign against illegal drugs should be based on human rights and the rule of law. Christmas, after all, is best spent if family members remain intact and complete,” she added.
To date, the death toll connected to the war on drugs has reached an estimate of 13,000.
A staunch advocate for human dignity, De Lima initiated a Senate investigation into the spate of extrajudicial killings barely two weeks after she assumed office, and she continues to speak up against the injustices happening in the country until now.
Like her birthday wish, De Lima said her Christmas wish is to be vindicated from all the illegal drug charges filed against her.
De Lima said part of her vindication means regaining her old, normal life. “I miss those days where I can do the simple things that make me happy, like going to the wet market, cooking, and driving on top of doing my regular duties as a public servant.”
The Senator from Bicol said she also misses going to the church every Sunday, and notably to Our Lady of Manaoag Church in Pangasinan, twice a month.
In detention, however, De Lima maintained she has grown closer to God and now has more time to read the Bible, along with other books that were given to her by friends and supporters who visited her.
She will be celebrating her first Christmas Day inside the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police, in Camp Crame, Quezon City, on Dec. 25 to be joined by family, relatives and friends.
The former justice secretary already confirmed that she, as with other PNP Custodial Center detainees, were granted visits from family and relatives on Christmas Eve, December 24, until 1 a.m. the following day and on December 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ultimately, De Lima said she hopes this will be her first and last Christmas in detention. (Press Release)