For many mothers in the Philippines, the pain caused by violence and loss is something deeply personal. Behind every news report and every number is a family left grieving, children growing up without parents, and mothers carrying unanswered questions for years.

On May 27, 2026, the EJK Truth Commission was formally launched as an independent, civilian-led body that aims to establish a credible public record of extrajudicial killings and related abuses in the country. 

The commission comes nearly a decade after drug war-related killings intensified nationwide in 2016. While many families continue to seek justice and healing, the new commission hopes to provide a space where stories can finally be heard, documented, and preserved with dignity.

The EJK Truth Commission is being convened under the guidance of Cardinal Pablo “Ambo” David, who will serve as adviser to help protect the commission’s independence, integrity, and mission. Joining the commission are Atty. Raul Pangalangan, Dr. Raquel Barros del Rosario-Fortun, Dr. Al Fuertes, Fr. Daniel Franklin E. Pilario, CM, and Carlos Conde, each bringing expertise in law, forensic science, trauma healing, education, and public documentation.

For mothers, the launch of the commission is more than just another national issue. It touches the heart of every parent who wants their children to grow up in a country where truth matters, where lives are valued, and where families do not have to suffer in silence.

“This is not about replacing the courts or assigning guilt,” said Pangalangan. “It is about building a credible truth record that can guide accountability, healing, reform, and the prevention of future violence.”

One of the commission’s main efforts will be conducting Public Truth Hearings where survivors, families, witnesses, and communities can safely share their experiences. Depending on safety concerns and consent, these hearings may be public, private, or anonymized to help protect participants.

The commission also plans to prepare evidence-based recommendations and reports for agencies such as the Commission on Human Rights, the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, and NAPOLCOM.

Cardinal David emphasized the importance of preserving these stories, saying that truth is not only a matter of public record but also a matter of dignity for families who have carried pain and silence for years. 

As moms, we always want a future where our children can sleep peacefully, walk safely, and grow up knowing that compassion, justice, and humanity still matter. The road to healing may not be easy, but for many families, every effort to seek truth is already a step forward.

Here at Mommy’s MAG Life, we believe every mother’s voice, every family’s story, and every child’s future deserve to be protected and heard.