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The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant is a crucial step toward justice and accountability.
Various human rights groups welcomed Duterte’s arrest over crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs.
“His arrest could bring victims and their families closer to justice and sends a clear message that no one is above the law. The Marcos government should swiftly surrender him to the ICC,” said Bryony Lau, Deputy Asia Director of Human Rights Watch.
Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno urged the Philippine government to cooperate with Interpol and the ICC, calling for decisive action.
“Duterte must be placed under the ICC’s jurisdiction immediately… The government must act decisively and ensure that he has nowhere to hide. No more safe spaces for tyrants,” Diokno said.
BAYAN President Renato Reyes echoed similar sentiments, urging the Marcos administration to ensure justice is served “without fear or favor.”
“Impunity cannot last forever. Let us use this moment to call attention to the human rights crisis in the Philippines and the need to end extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations. Let this event serve as a warning to those who think abuse of power will go unpunished,” Reyes said.
Meanwhile, a mother of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims who testified against Duterte expressed relief and hope for justice.
“We have long been waiting for this and we are filled with hope today. I hope the reports we are reading from the news are true,” said Llore Pasco in Tagalog. Her two sons were identified as EJK victims.
“It’s about time that Marcos fulfill his obligation to hold Duterte accountable. He must take action now. Once Duterte is in the hands of our government, (the arrest) must be executed through the Interpol,” she added.
Peter Murphy, chairperson of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP), emphasized that Duterte should not receive special 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,” Murphy said.
“The law must apply equally, and Duterte should face his day in court without preferential treatment,” he added. — Rachelle Tonelada
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