A recent Facebook post by Victoria Banal has reignited discussions about the controversial history of the Philippines’ war on drugs.
In her post, she directly called out Aling Shiela, claiming that her son, Ryan A. Barbacena, was not killed during Rodrigo Duterte’s administration but rather during the time of Ferdinand Marcos.
The heated online exchange quickly gained traction, fueling debates about extrajudicial killings and historical accuracy.
A Mother’s Pain and a Public Dispute
Aling Shiela, believed to be the mother of Ryan A. Barbacena, has apparently been vocal about her son’s tragic fate, seemingly blaming Duterte’s administration for his death.
However, Victoria Banal, in a strongly worded post, refuted this claim, alleging that Ryan was a known drug addict and was actually killed by fellow drug users during Marcos’ presidency.
“Tigilan mo kami, Aling Sheila! Yung anak mo ADIK, MAGNANAKAW! Pinatay yan nung last year lang na si Marcos na president! Hindi time ni Duterte!” Banal wrote in her post, insisting that the murder was unrelated to Duterte’s war on drugs.
The comments on the post quickly divided social media users, with some siding with Aling Shiela, arguing that her grief should not be discredited, while others supported Banal’s claim, questioning the accuracy of allegations against Duterte.
Emotional Gathering of EJK Victims’ Families
While the social media dispute unfolded, a separate but equally emotional event took place in Quezon City.
Families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims gathered at the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) on Friday.
They watched the pre-trial proceedings of former president Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he faces serious charges of crimes against humanity for his involvement in the Philippines’ bloody anti-drug campaign.
Many of the families in attendance broke down in tears as they relived the painful memories of losing their loved ones.
Activists and human rights advocates have long accused Duterte of spearheading a brutal crackdown that led to thousands of deaths, particularly in impoverished communities.
Duterte Faces ICC Charges Amid Controversy
Duterte, now 79 years old, made a virtual appearance at the ICC pre-trial, citing the difficulties of traveling to The Hague.
His legal counsel, Salvador Medialdea, issued a strong statement condemning the process, claiming that Duterte’s arrest was an “extrajudicial rendition” or even “kidnapping.”
He further argued that the former president was being denied access to proper legal recourse.
Despite these objections, the ICC formally scheduled the confirmation of charges against Duterte for September 23, 2025.
This means that the court will determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a full trial.
Duterte’s Arrest and Transfer to The Hague
Duterte’s legal troubles escalated when he was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 upon his return from Hong Kong on March 11, 2025.
Local authorities quickly turned him over to international officials, and within hours, he was flown to The Hague, Netherlands, to face justice at the ICC.
His arrest has sparked nationwide reactions, with his supporters crying foul over what they see as a politically motivated case, while his critics celebrate it as a long-overdue moment of accountability.
What Happens Next?
As the ICC case against Duterte moves forward, tensions continue to rise.
With the debate over extrajudicial killings still dividing the nation, the online clash between Victoria Banal and Aling Shiela is just one of many examples of how deeply personal and political this issue remains for Filipinos.
The coming months will be crucial as the international court determines Duterte’s fate, while at home, the scars of the drug war continue to linger in the lives of countless families.