24/05/2026
Francis was taken by a person under the influence of illegal drugs. In a horrific act of violence driven by intoxication and warped thinking—sparked, as the perpetrator later confessed to police, by seeing isaw sold and eaten on TV—his body was cruelly harmed: his abdomen was cut open, his insides exposed, and his intestines tasted by his attacker. His throat was also slashed, and his body discarded like trash in a garbage bin.
When Francis was found and rushed to the hospital, he fought for his life for 41 long, painful days before he finally succumbed to his injuries. During that time, Senator Robin Padilla was able to visit and extend help to him and his family during Holy Week—a small glimmer of care amid so much suffering. Sadly, the damage done to his body was too great for him to overcome. The photographs taken of Francis were intentionally blurred by his parents; they chose to shield their child’s dignity, even in the midst of their unbearable grief. The perpetrator himself admitted every detail of what he did during police questioning.
When a child’s life is stolen by the cruelty of someone high on drugs, something heartbreaking happens: too many people rush to demand sympathy for the criminal.
They speak at length about the lives of those who commit such acts. They write thoughtful essays about human rights. They raise hashtags and debate publicly. They question every effort made to curb the drug crisis.
But where is that same passion for Francis? Where is the outrage for the innocent child whose life was cut short? Where is the compassion for the pure, vulnerable life destroyed in the most brutal way? Where are the speeches and calls for justice for the families left broken, forever changed by pain—all because of the harm drugs bring to our communities?
A child who dies this way never gets a second chance to grow, laugh, or build a life. A mother who loses her child like this carries a wound that never truly heals. Neighbors and communities scarred by such violence never feel safe or whole again.
This is why so many Filipinos stood behind strong, decisive action against illegal drugs. We were tired of watching innocent people suffer, while those who caused that suffering were defended, debated, and lifted up as if they were the ones who deserved our care.
The real tragedy is not that the addict faces consequences for his actions—it is that our society too often mourns the perpetrator, while staying quiet about the victim. It is that Francis’ name, his pain, and his family’s loss risk being forgotten, while the person who hurt him is discussed as if he were the wronged one.
We stand firm on these truths:
✅ ACCOUNTABILITY for those who commit heinous crimes.
✅ PROTECTION for every child, every innocent person in our country.
✅ SAFER COMMUNITIES free from the fear and harm caused by illegal drugs.
✅ A STRONG, UNWAVERING FIGHT against the drug trade and its terrible effects.
✅ BRING BACK THE DEATH PENALTY — justice must match the severity of the crime. 🇵🇭👊🏼💚
IBALIK ANG DEATH PENALTY
If you wish to extend help and send monetary support to Francis’ grieving family, you may send donations via GCash to:
Jemuel Costelo Muleta
Ferliza Napiza — name registered under Francis’ mother
