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former have experienced, there is still no comprehensive literature that illustrates and expounds on why some surviving family members have not yet properly understood the connection between the systemic violence brought about by the State sponsored WoD to their plight— not that utter frustration against the government has to be a requirement for the desire for reform. However, this is worth noting for advocates in order for them to be more intentional in linking widespread violence such as WoD to the failure of the government to fulfill its initial role as the main duty bearer in upholding human rights and peace.

PERSONAL REFLECTION AND HOPEFULNESS There is a gap in literature as the majority of the available resources focus on the systemic nature of the crimes and oppressive nature of WoD, not on the ongoing

journeys of healing and resilience of surviving family members. Much is to be learned from the continuous growth of these families. Despite certain challenges within their respective groups, their consistent expression of the need to be together and their gratitude at being a part of their respective support groups characterize their unity, and showcases resilience. In addition, there is a heightened sense of awareness both in terms of their shared experiences, and the implications of those incidents to their lives, such as the fact they and their loved ones were denied their human rights and that they are stronger together. In their enjoyment and acknowledgment of being stronger together, they are able to hope together. With empathy, they are able to do what is within their means in order to encourage members of other surviving families towards the latter’s own healing and a more hopeful future. On the other hand, determination is also exhibited in their desire to pursue justice, and to be a beacon of strength for their families, especially for their children.

Provision of Assistance

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE Despite the proven importance of psychological services, both in terms of related literature and the respondents, there is still a lack of access to service providers

for this realm. Though the respondents attest to the healing processes that they have benefitted from through Project SOW and PAGHILOM, they have not reported accessing these services from the government. Despite the government serving as duty bearer, no government-funded psychosocial services were extended to these surviving family members. Neither public health providers nor local government units were attributed with any service provision while DSWD, the head social service agency, has been attributed with providing either a single provision of funeral subsidies and groceries. This immense gap of service provision resonates with the proven lack of relevant psychosocial services even with the direct survivors of EJK, especially for those who have surrendered themselves, heeding government orders at the onset of the anti-illegal drug campaign.

Community support and solidarity remain promising despite the challenges both in terms of its presence and proven potential in the recovery of survivor families.

This is significant as despite possible hesitations and the fear of being associated with those who have been killed, empathy and “bayanihan” were still present as some individuals from marginalized communities pooled their resources to assist bereaved families. Furthermore, the growing bonds between members of Project SOW and PAGHILOM, and their mutual encouragement, are manifestations of community that the respondents would refer to as a concrete source of strength, despite their shared pain and limitations.

Lastly, the lack of access to medical assistance remains a challenge. Despite their own sources of family income, surviving families remain vulnerable in terms of their medical needs. First, despite undergoing intense trauma and showing both biological and psychological manifestations of their trauma, none have shared being able to access government-subsidized healthcare. Even in terms of NGOs, though one respondent mentioned two organizations assisting her in terms of medical needs, only one of these organizations specifically work within the convergence of right to health and human rights. From the macro-perspective, this lack of medical provision is alarming as drug use and dependence, along with the great number of deaths, point to the fact that WoD is a grave public health issue.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE The primary provider for educational needs for the respondents are faith-based

NGOs (PAGHILOM and Project SOW), and an academic institution. On the other hand, the research could more concretely assess the government’s role had the researchers been able to specifically inquire whether the children of the respondents actually study at a private or public school. However, a more nuanced question that needs to be further explored by researchers within this field was whether the students of these surviving families provided ways to cope with the demands of academic life despite the grief and stigmatizations they have been forced to deal with.

FINANCIAL SERVICES In addition to the psychological support community members are able to provide, community support in the form of friends, neighbors and relatives have been pivotal in providing financial assistance, primarily during the immediate phase following

the killings. All respondents have received financial assistance both from their extended communities, CSOs, NGOs, faith-based organizations and the government. However, there are variations. Though actual estimates of the pooled resources were not asked

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from the respondents, they would emphasize their appreciation for the unexpectedly large financial donations they were able to garner from their communities, in addition to that from NGOs.

Furthermore, government financial assistance remains wanting. A few were able to avail of a more sustainable form of financial assistance through the transfer of their deceased male family members to them in the form of pensions. In addition, though funeral subsidies or groceries were provided to them by either DSWD and other government offices, these could not fully provide for the funeral and burial needs and there remains no uniform and publicized program from the government specifically for surviving families. After the initial provision of such services, the respondents did not report receiving additional services from the government, despite their vulnerable financial backgrounds, and the death of financially-contributing family members. Another grave concern that has been confirmed by the researchers is the presence of coercive attempts by State agencies to have surviving family members deny the cause of death of their loved ones, and indicate alternative causes on the death certificates as a requirement for the disbursement of financial assistance. Furthermore, due to the lack of trust towards the government, starting from local government units such as their barangays who have been attributed to be the source of drug watchlists, surviving families are unlikely to approach their local leaders for assistance. This is due to the fact that family members experience anger and distrust against their LGUs and barangays as WoD is a state-sponsored campaign.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Legal representation is not a current priority by surviving family members. Though respondents are aware of the need to have comprehensive documentation regarding the circumstances surrounding the EJK case, and the various effects they have experienced due to it, they currently do not see the practicality of filing for reparation and relevant cases against relevant state agents. Aside from the costs associated with litigation, the first reason that prevents them from pursuing legal action is the fact that they prioritize the safety of their respective families. Furthermore, some have already unjustly faced intimidation from armed agents. This has a chilling effect on others; already knowing of the daunting experiences of their peers and knowing first-hand the lack of respective economic and government safety nets, they preemptively decline legal representation to avoid unjust retribution from government agents. The second reason is that the current political climate and administration would not be conducive to their cause. They believe that their case, despite its merit, might either be ignored or dismissed. Consequently, rights-based groups are prioritizing legal documentation and legal empowerment to ready surviving family members to file for relevant cases in due time. In addition, the inability to pursue concrete legal measures contribute to impunity in the present context. However, the concept of transitional justice is hinged on these alternative yet important ways of legal empowerment.