Filipino groups in Europe demand Duterte’s accountability at ICC

BRUSSELS – Filipino organizations in Europe, along with human rights lawyers representing victims in the International Criminal Court (ICC) case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, held a press conference on March 23 to demand justice for victims of extrajudicial killings and push for Duterte’s full accountability. They also urged the Philippine government to rejoin the ICC.

Lawyers provided updates on the ongoing case, detailing how victims are preparing for legal proceedings. They warned against political maneuvers that could obstruct justice and called for international pressure to prevent Duterte from evading prosecution.

"For the victims, Duterte’s arrest and trial was once just a pipedream. Now, as accountability inches closer, they are being revictimized again by relentless misinformation and fake news from the Duterte camp," said Atty. Kristina Conti of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) and assistant counsel for the victims.

Lawyer Benjie Aquino of REDRESS, an international human rights group, raised concerns over propaganda and online harassment discouraging victims from participating.

"The surge in disinformation and harassment has created a hostile environment, leading some victims to consider withdrawing from the case," Aquino said.

Meanwhile, BAYAN Europe announced plans to form a Europe-wide coalition to push for Duterte’s accountability. The group stressed that the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC in 2019 should not protect Duterte from prosecution and called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to restore the country’s ICC membership.

"If Marcos Jr. truly intends to serve justice to the victims of Duterte’s crimes, he should have no problem reinstating the Philippines’ membership to the Rome Statute," said Lean Jimenez of BAYAN Europe.

Jimenez reiterated that the struggle for justice continues.

"The arrest and trial of Duterte is a crucial step, but full justice depends on the collective strength of the Filipino people. We will not stop until all perpetrators are held accountable," Jimenez said. (PR)