Rights groups, victims’ kin hail ICC decision on Duterte case
MANILA, Philippines—Human rights groups and families of victims of the “war on drugs” tearfully welcomed and applauded the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber’s decision on Wednesday.
The chamber rejected former President Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal challenging the court’s jurisdiction over the crimes against humanity case against him.
Members of Karapatan, Rise Up for Life and for Rights, and the Duterte Panagutin Network attended the event, “Duterte Panagutin’s Justice Watch,” held at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City.
Former Bayan Muna party-list representative Neri Colmenares and ICC lawyer Kristina Conti were also present to explain the outcome, as victims’ families sought to better understand the complex legal proceedings.
READ: ICC keeps jurisdiction over Duterte case, rejects bid to halt probe
“This latest decision eliminates an important legal obstacle to the confirmation of charges against Duterte and practically gives the green light for the trial to proceed,” said Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay in a statement on Wednesday evening.
“This decision, which is another legal victory, is a product of the Filipino people’s unrelenting, persevering and staunch struggle for truth, justice and accountability,” she said.The rights group stated that the Duterte administration was among the most severe violators of human rights and international humanitarian law.It cited the deadly and controversial drug war and counterinsurgency campaign, which allegedly resulted in extrajudicial killings, unlawful arrests, torture, and other war crimes.
Duterte Panagutin Network said the ICC Appeals Chamber’s decision to uphold its jurisdiction over the Philippine situation marks a “monumental victory for justice and a definite blow against the culture of impunity.”
Read: Victims’ kin laud, defense criticizes ICC ruling on jurisdiction appeal
“Withdrawal is not a shield for accountability. The law is clear: crimes committed while a state is a party to the Statute remain subject to the Court’s scrutiny,” the group said.
“Today, the Appeals Chamber chose the side of the victims over the side of the perpetrators,” they added.
After the ICC said that it was dismissing the defense’s request for Duterte’s immediate release, families of drug war victims’ emotions ran high—some were moved to tears of joy, while others raised their hands in applause.“We are very happy, this is a big victory for us,” said Jane Lee Molina, a family member of one of the victims of “tokhang,” who expressed gratitude for the ICC and showed commitment to fight for justice.
“We think that it is not only Duterte, but also all of his colleagues in the war on drugs,” she said to the audience at the justice watch.
Karapatan also renewed its call for the immediate arrest of former Philippine National Police chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Senator Bong Go, and other police and military officials involved in the “war on drugs.”
“For years, they have continued to enjoy power and privileges that they gained because of the mass murders of poor Filipinos,” Palabay said.
“It is high time that they are made to face the consequences of their high crimes,” she added.
Joel Ejacordas, whose brother was killed during a 2016 police operation, told the Inquirer “I’m really thankful to God. We fought for a long time, almost 10 years.”
He said they could seek justice only through the International Criminal Court, rather than the Philippine justice system. /dl
