The arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte represents a major step forward in seeking justice for the victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the previous administration’s drug war, according to Bayan Muna chairperson and former lawmaker Neri Colmenares, along with other progressive groups.
In a statement, Colmenares expressed that while Duterte’s arrest is long overdue, it sends a strong message that justice can be achieved through persistent effort.
Duterte was detained by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in compliance with an International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) red notice, following an arrest order from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“This arrest is a significant step toward justice for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations under his administration,” Colmenares, who also served as a co-counsel for the victims filing the crimes against humanity case with the ICC, said.
“While this arrest has been long awaited, it sends a powerful message that justice can be attained through continued struggle and perseverance. We have consistently called for accountability for the massive human rights violations during the Duterte administration, especially the thousands of lives lost in the so-called ‘War on Drugs’,” he added.
Meanwhile, Teddy Casiño, chairperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, stated that the fight for accountability is far from over, as many of Duterte’s alleged “conspirators” remain unaccounted for.
“This may be a victory, but the fight is far from finished. Duterte’s conspirators are still at large. There is still a long trial ahead. Many lives were lost, and even now, extrajudicial killings and red-tagging continue, despite Duterte no longer being in office,” Casiño said.
“Duterte’s arrest is a crucial milestone in the quest for justice. It proves that no one, not even tyrants, can evade accountability. But we must not stop here. True justice is not just about an arrest; it is about court rulings, the imposition of penalties, and ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated. While justice may have taken time, today we take a major step forward,” he added.
Over the weekend, rumors spread that the ICC would soon issue an arrest order for Duterte, due to mass murder charges related to his involvement in the crimes against humanity during his war on drugs.
At the same time, Duterte, his family, and key allies traveled to Hong Kong to meet with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Duterte is facing crimes against humanity charges for his role in the drug war, during which thousands of individuals were killed.
While the campaign was hailed by many, it was heavily criticized by human rights defenders for its violent and bloody nature. Colmenares was among the lawyers representing the complainants, who are relatives of drug war victims, in their case against Duterte before the ICC.
