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For the families left behind by the brutal anti-illegal drug campaign of Rodrigo Duterte, the prosecution of the International Criminal Court is ‘their court of last resort’. The recent postponement of the hearing about the confirmation of charges, for them, is a delaying tactic.
In a statement, Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay said that the bill is “thoroughly self-serving and is a slap in the face of the tens of thousands of victims of Duterte's drug war as well as those who suffered other injustices committed under his regime.”
In a response to Duterte’s petition, Paolina Massed, principal counsel for the victims, said the former president’s interim release “would be hard to fathom for the victims who have clearly expressed the view that he should remain in detention at the Court pending the pre-trial proceedings.”
The prosecution said that it opposed Duterte’s interim release to the country cited by his lawyer saying that it is not an appropriate state to host the former president.
“The case at the ICC against former president [Rodrigo] Duterte and his co-conspirators is proof that the justice system in the Philippines has failed in rendering justice for the thousands of victims, a fact acknowledged by the local officials."
“While interim release mechanisms serve important human rights purposes, they must not supersede ensuring accountability of individuals accused of very serious crimes against humanity.”
“to bring to the attention of the international community the continuing fight for justice
of families of victims of extrajudicial killings and the ‘war on drugs.’”
“Age and health, while relevant, cannot outweigh the rights of victims to see the process of justice carried to its end. The facilities of the ICC, the conditions of which are vastly superior to those in Philippine prisons, can guarantee the humane treatment of Duterte while he is detained."
"These sanctions are not only directed at designated individuals, they also target all those who support the Court, including nationals and corporate entities of States Parties.”
“The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity marks a turning point. But it is only the beginning. Justice must not stop at symbolism, it must materialize in policy reform, prosecution of all perpetrators, and tangible support for the victims and their families.”
“That's why we are launching the white ribbon campaign today, as a symbol of our recognition that they [EJK victims] are the true victims, a symbol of our support for their quest for justice, a symbol of our call to hold accountable those responsible for the EJKs during Duterte's drug war.”
Since Duterte’s arrest on March 11, families of the victims seem to have been laughing more lately–in between tears. For them, Duterte’s arrest brought mixed emotions. They are happy that he is finally arrested but also restless of the thought that he might still get out and other perpetrators are not yet held accountable.
"My wish is for Duterte to be convicted. I pray that God grants him long life so he can be held accountable for all the killings he ordered. This way, we can achieve justice. He can grow old in that place."
“These attacks follow a familiar playbook—when powerful men feel threatened by factual reporting, they resort to gendered attacks to discredit women journalists.”
“This long-awaited development marks a significant victory for the thousands of victims of Duterte’s bloody war on drugs and their families as well as the repression and brutal killings of activists and civilian communities, who have relentlessly fought for justice despite threats, intimidation, and state repression.”
Chanting calls for accountability, human rights activists marched from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to the Scheveningen Prison, demanding justice for the victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, March 18.
Kristina Conti has never seen being a lawyer as a glamorous job recalling how her mother was paid in the form of bananas, fish, and other trinkets. And although she now also stands as the 5th nominee for Bayan Muna Partylist, she said that she has no expectations to become a lawmaker.
“Online bashers have clearly demonstrated the continuing threat of a Duterte ‘hate’ network to families-victims as well as to witnesses of drug war killings."
Activists demand accountability for Duterte's war on drugs, calling for conviction and justice for victims of extrajudicial killings.
UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor and Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard have emphasized the importance of this moment for the victims of Duterte's controversial "war on drugs," calling for further accountability and legal action. As Duterte prepares for his initial hearing on March 14, the international community has urged continued efforts to address ongoing human rights violations in the Philippines.
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