The dead knew no politics. Whatever politics nor affiliation and even pledge does he holds, death comes as an end, to his dreams, to his life.

Extrajudicial killings (EJKs) have long been a dark chapter in many societies, including the Philippines. The quest for justice for EJK victims is a complex and often daunting journey. However, recent developments, including testimonies from those responsible for these deaths, have created a “perfect storm” that could pave the way for justice.

Government figures shows thousands of deaths on drug buy bust and that it was not enough to stop the influx of drugs. It was simply not enough to stop that commodity from ruining the user and yet killing the hope for renewal or any chance in them.

The term “perfect storm” refers to a rare combination of circumstances that drastically aggravates a situation. In the context of EJKs, this storm is formed by the convergence of several critical factors: the courage of whistleblowers, the relentless pursuit of justice by human rights advocates, and the increasing international pressure on governments to uphold human rights.

The QuadCom for all its supposed arrogance and misplaced bluster, it was on point and in the right in releasing the Kraken of truth and exposing the workings of a so-called Davao Model, an alleged rewards system for killing of drug suspects.

From the Davao Colony’s murder of three Chinese chemists to the LtCol Santie Mendoza whistleblower and the PGen high-profile killing suspect. To the suspects, of the Wesley Barrayuga murder case in Retired Colonel Royina Garma, to the matrix of killings and personalities, it had evolved into the perfect storm. It may be the beginning of the end for the masterminds.

The War on Drugs was in fact applauded for 6 years but it was also abhorred, because even if we do not believe in the truth that man has a soul, it has one. And that the soul despised violence and killings are the highest form of violence.

As people slowly yet surely unravel the truth , it had become clear that people had abandoned the killing method in favor of a more civilized reformation. The perfect storm toward justice for EJK victims is a powerful force driven by the courage of whistleblowers, the dedication of human rights advocates, and the pressure from the international community.

In the end, time will be the truth teller if this is the perfect storm for justice to come, but we hope that this is it.

Fighting the guerrillas – apart from the Japanese regular forces – were a Japanese-formed Bureau of Constabulary (later taking the name of the old Philippine Constabulary during the Second Republic), the Kempeitai (the Japanese military police), and the Makapili (Filipinos fighting for the Japanese). Postwar studies estimate that around 260,000 people were organized under guerrilla groups and that members of anti-Japanese underground organizations were more numerous. Such was their effectiveness that by the end of World War II, Japan controlled only twelve of the forty-eight provinces.

The guerilla movement under Ruperto Cadava Kangleon, its acknowledged leader in Leyte had been winning against the Japanese imperial forces. Historical records bare that Ruperto Cadava Kangleon is a native of Macrohon, Southern Leyte is a politician and military officer. He served as Secretary of National Defense from 1946 to 1950 and as Senator from 193 to 1958 as a member of the Liberal Party. He died shortly thereafter in the same year 1958. It is well to mention that the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police is named after him in recognition of his role and distinguished service for the country and the Filipino people.

It is unfortunate that the small victories won by the guerilla movement which could have been close to defeating the Japanese forces was over-glossed by the return of the allied forces composed of United Kingdom, Soviet Union, China and the United States of America.

It was the allied forces that defeated the Axis Power composed of Germany, Italy and Japan. The Allies used their air and sea power to destroy the Axis’ in a multi-layered battle. This was the true battlefield of WWII: a massive air-sea super battlefield that stretched for thousands of miles. Victory in this super-battlefield led to victory in the war. The Battle of Leyte Gulf earned the label as the largest naval battle in modern history, fought 23-26 October 1944 in the Philippines, this battle virtually ended the Japanese Navy’s capacity to fight as an organized force.

It is well to mention that the research by Atty. Vince M. Tañada led him to the document showing that the return of American General Douglas Mac Arthur was paid by the Philippine government under President Manuel Luis Quezon. Historical records bare that two days later, after discussing it with MacArthur and his cabinet, Quezon issued Executive Order # 1 of the Philippine Commonwealth, awarding MacArthur $500,000, with lesser amounts going to members of his staff.

It is high time for Filipinos to know that the role of General Douglas Mac Arthur in the history of our country was one that grabbed the credit of the victories from our guerillas who fought with gallantry despite inferior arms. Indeed, what was publicly declared as fulfillment of the promise “i shall return” was not fully a heroic act but one which is a return with benefits.
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