Stop the attacks on drug war victims and their lawyers, end gender-based harassment
We will not be silenced. We stand with Atty. Krissy Conti, the victims, and all advocates demanding accountability for Duterte’s crimes against humanity.
March 19, 2025
NUPL
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers is a nationwide voluntary association of human rights lawyers in the Philippines, committed to the defense, protection, and promotion of human rights, especially of the poor and the oppressed.

We strongly denounce the orchestrated campaign of disinformation, harassment, and gender-based online violence targeting Atty. Krissy Conti, the families of drug war victims, and other human rights defenders. These attacks, driven by Duterte’s network of trolls and enablers, aim to silence those seeking justice and obstruct ongoing proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The wave of misogynistic threats and character assassination against Atty. Conti reflects a pattern of violence against women who speak truth to power. The same online hate is directed at widows, mothers, and daughters of drug war victims, attempting to intimidate them into silence. This coordinated effort to weaponize gender-based violence against women in the legal profession and human rights advocacy must end.

These relentless attacks further reinforce the argument that Duterte must be denied interim release. His history of inciting violence, fostering a culture of impunity, and encouraging targeted harassment proves he remains a threat to victims, witnesses, and those holding him accountable. Allowing his return to the Philippines would only embolden further reprisals and deepen the climate of fear. The ICC must ensure that all involved in the case against him—lawyers, witnesses, and victims—can speak and act without threat to their safety.

We call on the Philippine government to take decisive action in protecting human rights defenders from gender-based violence and ensuring the safety of those seeking justice. It must support the ICC’s investigation, rejoin the court, and take a stand for justice. The Philippines must break free from the legacy of impunity.

We will not be silenced. We stand with Atty. Krissy Conti, the victims, and all advocates demanding accountability for Duterte’s crimes against humanity.#

Reference:
Atty. Josalee S. Deinla
+639174316396

Photo: Courtesy of Bulatlat

Read more

Defend the youth speaking against injustice, corruption, and red-tagging

Defend the youth speaking against injustice, corruption, and red-tagging

The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers-National Capital Region (NUPL-NCR) stands with youth activists and their fundamental right to free speech and expression. NUPL-NCR assisted youth leader Christian Mataverde on October 20, 2026 as he filed his counter-affidavit before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Rizal in the cyberlibel complaint brought against him by an official of the University of Rizal System (URS), Pililla Campus, for violation of Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Cyberlibel potentially carries the penalty of up to eight years in prison.

Four UST students appeal sanctions over PAF exhibit: NUPL and PILC ask Rector to stay penalties and reverse OSA resolutions

Four UST students appeal sanctions over PAF exhibit: NUPL and PILC ask Rector to stay penalties and reverse OSA resolutions

Raven Kristine Racelis, Ralph Christian Manuel, Mecaella Sean Carl Capalar, and Dex Anderson Frogoso, represented by the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) and the Public Interest Law Center (PILC), asked the Office of the Rector to reverse and set aside the separate resolutions issued by the UST Office for Student Affairs on October 2. They also sought an urgent stay of their suspensions and all related sanctions while the appeal is pending.

NUPL seeks to keep Gorgonio amparo case in Manila

NUPL seeks to keep Gorgonio amparo case in Manila

NUPL President Atty. Ephraim Cortez speaks outside the Court of Appeals on September 29, 2026, following the filing of a motion seeking reconsideration of the transfer to Cebu of the amparo and habeas data proceedings involving NUPL–Negros Chairperson Atty. Rey Gorgonio and three development workers of the Paghida-et sa Kauswagan Development Group (PDG).

US sanctions against the ICC: Imperial power in the service of impunity

US sanctions against the ICC: Imperial power in the service of impunity

Under Trump’s Executive Order No. 14203, the designation subjects the ICC to US financial sanctions that threaten to restrict its access to American banks, technology, and other essential services. Given the United States’ influence over the global financial system, these restrictions could disrupt the Court’s operations, including investigations, witness protection, and even the delivery of assistance and reparations to victims.

Share This