Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte criticized the establishment of a museum inside the Senate meant to remember individuals described as “heroes of EJK.”
In a statement, Duterte said the proposed exhibit reflects what he called a selective and dishonest way of remembering victims connected to illegal drugs and the government’s anti-drug campaign.
He argued that the focus on those killed in alleged extrajudicial killings ignores what he described as the real victims of the drug problem, including police officers and soldiers who lost their lives while carrying out their duties.
Duterte cited members of the Special Action Force, including the SAF 44, as well as other soldiers and police personnel who, he said, followed orders but never returned home alive. He claimed that some officials have forgotten their sacrifices.
He added that there were no exhibits, candles, or statements honoring those members of the security forces, while, he said, greater sympathy is being shown toward criminals.
Duterte also said the museum initiative remains silent about victims of illegal drugs, including children, broken families, and communities affected by drug pushers.
He challenged those supporting the museum to instead look into the situation of police and soldiers who displayed courage and gave their lives in the fight against criminality, terrorism, and the New People’s Army, which he said were efforts to protect the country.
The museum, called the “Paghilom Lakbay Museo,” was opened inside the Senate to remember victims and their families.
The initiative was led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Sen. Bam Aquino, according to information provided.
The issue has drawn attention as lawmakers debate how victims of violence and the drug war should be remembered in official spaces.
