Duterte’s arrest proves justice is within reach – ICHRP

Peter Murphy, chair of the ICHRP —Photo from the ICHRP website

MANILA, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte believed he was “untouchable,” but his arrest for crimes against humanity marks a turning point in the fight for justice, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) said Wednesday.

The ICHRP welcomed the arrest under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, calling it an “unprecedented step” toward justice for the thousands of victims of his drug war.

“Duterte once believed he was untouchable, but through the enduring demand for justice by the families of the victims, we are seeing that it will be soon served,” ICHRP Chairperson Peter Murphy said in a statement.

“His arrest should serve as a stark warning to all war criminals, including those currently in power. There is always the possibility that the international community will finally act against leaders who trample on human rights and international humanitarian law. Impunity has limits,” he added.

READ: The fall of ‘The Punisher’: Rodrigo Duterte’s path to the ICC

Duterte’s drug war reportedly led to over 20,000 deaths, with human rights groups documenting extrajudicial killings they say “amounted to state-sanctioned murder.”

Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the court continued investigating alleged crimes against humanity.

Murphy further stressed that Duterte must not receive “preferential treatment.”

“We also emphasize that there should be no special treatment for Duterte, as has been the norm for elite officials in the Philippines who have evaded justice through fabricated medical excuses and political maneuvering,” the ICHRP said.

“The law must apply equally, and Duterte should face his day in court without preferential treatment,” he added.

READ: Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest a critical step for accountability – Human Rights Watch

The ICHRP urged the Philippine government to cooperate fully with the ICC and ensure that Duterte would stand trial.

“Justice for the victims demands not only Duterte’s conviction but also accountability for all those who enabled and continue to execute his deadly policies and mechanisms of terror,” Murphy added.

The arrest, ICHRP reiterated, is a reminder that justice remains possible, even for the most powerful figures in society.