Bato Dela Rosa had taken sides in an internal squabble of small-scale miners in the gold-rush Diwalwal in Moncayo, Compostela Valley. Two Moro miners were first abducted, then brought to Laud Quarry in Davao City as Dela Rosa had ordered. His order was to immediately “neutralize” them without the benefit of tactical interrogation.I only have one question to ask readers: would you give the fugitive Bato dela Rosa the benefit of due process now that his warrant of arrest is out?

Could PGMN be a percursor of what awaits us in the next election season? Newly set up “independent” “news” organizations propping up or taking down candidates, seemingly “boosted” by legacy news organizations (that are owned by persons intimately connected to political dynasties), possibly “assisted” by generative AI? In such a landscape, which media organizations will remain trustworthy?

What is happening to the Dutertes is also a reflection of the country’s justice system. If wrongdoing is proven, someone must be held accountable. If they are proven innocent, then the truth must also come to light. But we should not let these issues be the cause of our division.