For today, victims’ pain from loss eclipsed by joy and hope

Arrest of Duterte for crimes against humanity must proceed to trial forthwith

The arrest of Rodrigo Roa Duterte on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a significant step towards justice, as we step closer to a trial on crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines between November 2011 to March 2019.

The long-awaited arrest of Duterte, who has owned up responsibility for his “war on drugs” and its legal and “illegal consequences,” gives us immeasurable joy and immense hope that justice for victims will prevail in the end. We acknowledge the contribution of the Philippine government, and various agencies in the execution of the warrant, despite the Philippines not being a member state of the ICC at present.

There are processes that a person arrested has to undergo before trial can begin. As a former member of the ICC, the Philippines is well aware of these, and is expected to uphold due process and the rule of law. Duterte may avail of all his remedies under the Rome Statute as well as domestic law, but we will monitor and intervene when necessary to ensure that the interests of the victims are respected and observed throughout.

We call for and support the expeditious surrender and transfer of custody of Duterte to the ICC. The trial of this case will be at The Hague, The Netherlands, and the detention of the accused should be at a facility near it. While we relish the victory of his arrest today, symbolic as it is of a victory of the poor and marginalized, akin to that of David versus Goliath, we still have to press on and work for his eventual conviction. Victims also continue to encourage fellow victims to participate in the proceedings, until we can claim this as a victory for all.

References:
Atty. Neri Javier Colmenares
Counsel for victims; National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers
+639178350459

Atty. Maria Kristina Conti
NUPL-NCR secretary general; registered as ICC assistant to counsel
+639298207000