Rights group slams delay in Duterte’s ICC trial

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The group Friends of the Filipino People in Struggles (FFPS) based in The Hague, the Netherlands, expressed its disappointment over the delay in the International Criminal Court (ICC) trial of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity, following a postponement of a hearing set next week.

“The people of the Philippines, who suffered so much under Duterte’s so-called war on drugs and his relentless attacks against all forms of dissent, have waited long enough for Duterte to be held accountable for his crimes,” said Robert Reid, global chair of FFPS, in an emailed statement to the Inquirer.

Reid was referring to the Sept. 8 decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC to postpone the start of the confirmation hearing initially set on Sept. 23, following a request by Duterte’s lawyers for an indefinite postponement.

READ: ICC: Prosecution in Duterte ICC trial has until July 1 to submit evidence

Duterte’s lawyers had argued the former president was not fit to stand trial.

The court, with Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera dissenting, granted a limited postponement to allow more time to deliberate on the request.

Beyond Du30

FFPS, an international solidarity network of progressive groups, said the international community must help ensure that Duterte would face accountability and not escape justice.

Reid also pointed out that the demand for accountability extended beyond Duterte and should include incumbent President Marcos.

He cited the International Peoples Tribunal (IPT) held in Brussels in May 2024, which he said extensively documented crimes against humanity committed by both Duterte and his successor.

Reid noted that the IPT “heard and supported the calls for justice made by their victims.”

Reid said Mr. Marcos continued to use the same policies and government agencies—such as the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and the “whole-of-nation approach”—through which Duterte committed “war crimes,” adding that the President was now using them to wage another “brutal war of suppression against the Filipino people.”

Reid also accused the United States of being complicit through its militarism and other forms of support, as documented by the IPT.

“It is no coincidence that these charges against Duterte are being brought at a time that US imperialism continues to fund and direct wars across the globe,” Reid said.

FFPS called on the international community to support the Filipino people in ensuring Duterte is held accountable for all his crimes, along with Mr. Marcos and the US government. INQ