Davao: The Archdiocese of Davao on Tuesday called for calmness and sobriety among the faithful amid the International Criminal Court's (ICC) case against former president Rodrigo Duterte. "We call upon you, our faithful here in the Archdiocese, to reject hatred and division, choosing instead the path of dialogue over discord, and reconciliation over conflict," Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles said in a pastoral message.

According to Philippines News Agency, Archbishop Valles emphasized that justice must be pursued with fairness and integrity, free from partisan political motivations or personal vendettas. He urged the government to uphold due process, adhere to the rule of law, and respect the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence. Valles believes that a commitment to justice is essential for achieving true peace.

He further encouraged the people to seek divine guidance through prayer. "At this critical moment in our nation's history, let us turn to prayer, seeking God's mercy and guidance of the Holy Spirit. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede for us and lead our country toward genuine justice and lasting peace," the archbishop added.

Duterte is currently detained at the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands, following the implementation of an arrest order on March 11. He is allegedly criminally liable for crimes against humanity committed from November 1, 2011, when he was still Davao City mayor, until March 16, 2019, during his presidency, due to deaths related to the illegal drugs war. The Philippines' withdrawal as an ICC state party became effective on March 17, 2019.