MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NON-VIOLENCE

As we mark the International Day of Non-Violence today, we also remember one of the world's greatest leaders and human rights defenders, Mahatma Gandhi.

Gandhi's legacy calls upon us to reflect and take action on the prevailing culture of violence and impunity in our country today. In the Philippines, there is rampant extrajudicial killings being committed under the guise of fighting drug-related crimes where innocent children and merely suspected small time drug peddlers and users who belong to the poorest of the poor are killed, while big time drug lords evade accountability.

This government has put the law in their hands yet it has the gall to brag that they are winning the drug war, and that it has achieved peace and order. Through massive propaganda, they are deceiving our people that the only way to move forward is through relentless killings and violence.

But they can never suppress the truth that this war on drugs is an utter failure and will just continue to harm our people, especially the vulnerable sectors of society.

As Gandhi said: "I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent."

Guided by Gandhi's teachings, let us prove to the oppressors and human rights violators that truth and justice will always succeed, especially with our concerted efforts to demand the accountability of those who promote violence and corrupt our humanity.

Let us not be cowed and continue to resist the abuses of the powers that be, as we fight for a lasting peace and a just society for all.

LEILA M. DE LIMA

PNP Custodial Center, Camp Crame

2 October 2019