The bloodstained streets of Manila still haunt survivors. Now, a legal battle in The Hague could decide if former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte faces trial for what critics call “the bloodiest chapter in modern Philippine history.”
Human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares slammed Duterte’s legal team this week, calling their bid to block the International Criminal Court (ICC) “a desperate ploy to erase 6,000+ deaths.” The move comes as the ICC investigates alleged crimes against humanity during Duterte’s drug war.
“Their argument is dead on arrival,” Colmenares told reporters. “The Rome Statute says the ICC still has power over crimes committed before a country quits the treaty. Duterte’s lawyers know this—they’re just buying time.”
The Burundi Blueprint
In 2017, the Philippines followed Burundi’s lead by quitting the ICC. But like Burundi, experts say the court can still prosecute Duterte for killings between 2016-2019—when the country was still a member.
“This isn’t law. It’s theater,” Colmenares argued. “They want to nullify every step the ICC has taken. But you can’t scrub away blood with paperwork.”
“Justice Delayed, Justice Denied”
Over 12,000 Filipinos died in Duterte’s anti-drug crackdown, though activists claim the real number tops 30,000. Most were poor. Many were shot at night by masked cops or vigilantes.
“My son was 17,” said Maria Santos*, a mother from Quezon City. “They left his body in a sewer with a ‘Drug Pusher’ sign. Where do we go if the ICC fails us?”
Why This Matters
The ICC is the last hope for families like Santos’. Philippine courts have convicted just three cops linked to drug war killings since 2016. Duterte, now 79, remains shielded by allies in government.
“This isn’t about technicalities,” Colmenares warned. “It’s about whether powerful men can murder the poor and walk free. The world is watching.”
What’s Next?
The ICC could rule on jurisdiction within months. If it proceeds, Duterte would become the first Southeast Asian leader tried for crimes against humanity.
But for now, families wait. And hope.
“We’ve seen mass graves. We’ve seen lies,” said Colmenares. “But we’ve also seen dictators fall. Justice always finds a way.”
*Name changed for safety
Reshuff PH
Latest News In The Philippines brought to you by Reshuff PH
2 Responses