Duterte victims pursuing 'truth and justice,' says lawyer.

​In the wake of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest on March 11, 2025, families of individuals who perished during his administration's controversial "war on drugs" are intensifying their pursuit of truth and justice. Represented by human rights lawyers, these families are urging authorities to investigate and halt coordinated online harassment campaigns aimed at discrediting their quest for accountability.​

Online Harassment Intensifies

Following Duterte's transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity, there has been a marked increase in online attacks against victims' families and their legal representatives. Sheerah Escudero, whose 18-year-old brother was killed in 2017, reported being inundated with defamatory messages labeling her a liar and a paid agitator. Similarly, human rights lawyer Kristina Conti has faced digital intimidation. These incidents have prompted calls for the National Bureau of Investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for the harassment. ​

Legal Proceedings at the ICC

Duterte's initial hearing at the ICC on March 14, 2025, was deemed by victims' representatives as a significant step toward justice. Lawyer Kristina Conti emphasized that the case against Duterte not only concerns the number of victims but also the systematic nature of the alleged extrajudicial killings. She highlighted the importance of addressing both the scale and the methods of the operations conducted during the anti-drug campaign. 

Debate Over Jurisdiction

Duterte's legal team has contested the ICC's jurisdiction over the case, presenting what they describe as "compelling" arguments for its dismissal. They contend that the court lacks authority to prosecute Duterte, given the Philippines' previous withdrawal from the ICC. This stance has sparked discussions among legal experts about the potential for the court to reconsider its jurisdictional ruling before proceeding further. ​

Participation of Victims' Families

The ICC has outlined procedures to facilitate the participation of victims' families in the forthcoming trial. While not all families may be directly involved, those selected will have the opportunity to represent the collective interests of all affected parties. This initiative aims to ensure that the voices of victims are integral to the judicial process. ​

Broader Implications

Duterte's arrest has elicited varied reactions. Human rights advocates view it as a testament to the principle that justice is not bound by time constraints. Conversely, some political figures, including Vice President Sara Duterte, have criticized the proceedings, leading to public debates about the interpretation and application of international law in this context. 

As the ICC prepares for the confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for September 23, 2025, the families of the victims remain steadfast in their pursuit of accountability. They continue to call for transparent investigations and legal actions that honor the memory of their loved ones and uphold the principles of justice.​

Sources:

• https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250404-duterte-victims-seeking-truth-and-justice-lawyer 
• https://politiko.com.ph/2025/04/04/duterte-victims-seeking-truth-and-justice-lawyer/daily-feed/ 
• http://barrons.com/news/duterte-victims-seeking-truth-and-justice-lawyer-406a68f6 
• https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/4/4/duterte-victims-seeking-truth-and-justice-lawyer-says-2358