By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(April 20, 2025) – Over 100 families of the victims of the brutal war on drugs of former president Rodrigo Duterte gathered on Easter Sunday in Quezon City to renew their call for justice.
They also expressed their renewed hope ahead of the confirmation of charges of Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on September 23, which will determine if his case will proceed to a trial.
People’s Impeachment Movement (PIM), a religious organization, led the event and described it as a “solemn vow from the bereaved.”
“Our gathering today is not only an act of remembrance but a compassionate stand against forgetting. It is a moral call to account for lives stolen in silence and for truth buried under fear,” said Fr. Joel Saballa of PIM in a media release.
Duterte is facing 43 counts of murder over crimes against humanity in his deadly war on drugs. He was flown to The Hague, Netherlands last month.
He could face additional charges, according to an ICC-accredited lawyer.
ALSO READ: Duterte could face additional ICC charges over his deadly drug war, says lawyer
Human rights groups estimated that Duterte’s cruel policy killed around 30,000, including innocent children.
“Ngayong Linggo ng Pagkabuhay, binuhay natin ang alaala, binuhay natin ang paninindigan, at binuhay natin ang panalangin. Hindi kami lumilimot,” said Saballa.
PIM furthered that attaining justice for the victims is “an ongoing struggle.”
“The ICC hearing is not merely a legal proceeding,” added Saballa. “It is a testament to the courage of those who stood up, even when it hurt. Once ignored, their voices will now be heard in the chambers of international justice.”
Since Duterte’s arrest, some of the families of the victims have been bashed by Duterte’s supporters online amid the prevalence of fake news and disinformation.
ALSO READ: False arguments about Duterte’s drug war divert attention from killings, says human rights advocate
Last month, the Malacañang urged Filipinos to maintain a balanced perspective, stressing that justice must prevail over personal biases.
(PM)
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