Duterte Defies ICC as Pre-Trial Hearing for Philippine Drug War Crimes Begins
The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague commenced a critical pre-trial hearing on Monday for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to his brutal anti-drug campaign. Despite the court's proceedings, the 80-year-old ex-leader has adamantly refused to attend, citing old age, frailty, and memory loss, while victims' families accuse him of cowardice.
Charges and Controversial Absence
Duterte, arrested in Manila and transported to The Hague last year, is accused of overseeing a crackdown that resulted in the deaths of thousands of people during his presidency from 2016 onward. The ICC's investigation spans alleged extrajudicial killings from November 2011 to June 2016, including incidents in Davao City where Duterte served as mayor, and extends nationwide until March 2019, when the Philippines withdrew from the court.
In a statement last week, Duterte dismissed the charges as "an outrageous lie" and rejected the ICC's jurisdiction, describing his arrest as a "kidnapping" orchestrated by current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He claimed he was "forcibly pushed into a jet" in violation of Philippine sovereignty. Judges granted his defense's request to waive his attendance, but labeled the reasons given as "speculative," noting a previous ruling that deemed him fit to participate.
Victims' Families Speak Out
Relatives of those killed in the drug war have long awaited this moment, expressing frustration over Duterte's absence. Sarah Celiz, 61, whose two sons were killed in separate 2017 incidents, condemned his refusal to face justice. "He should face everything he did to us and to the families of the victims," she said, adding that her sons begged for mercy but received none. "Why should we show him mercy? No."
Llore Pasco, who lost two sons in 2017 anti-drug operations, called Duterte "just a coward desperate to escape accountability." These families, supported by members of the Catholic Church in Manila, have campaigned tirelessly for accountability, viewing the ICC as their last hope for justice.
Background of the Drug War
Duterte rose to power in 2016 on a platform promising a violent crackdown to eradicate drugs from the Philippines. Upon taking office, he publicly encouraged civilians to kill addicts and assured police immunity for extrajudicial executions. In a notorious speech, he stated he would be "happy to slaughter" millions of drug addicts, drawing comparisons to Hitler, and later admitted to personally killing suspects during his tenure as mayor of Davao.
Estimates cited by the ICC prosecutor suggest between 12,000 and 30,000 civilians were killed in connection with the drug war, sparking international outrage. Despite this, Duterte maintained high domestic popularity, a legacy that continues with his daughter, current Vice-President Sara Duterte, who recently announced her candidacy for the 2028 presidential election. Polls indicate she is a strong contender, raising concerns among victims' families about potential retaliation if she wins.
Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
The pre-trial hearing, set to conclude on Friday, aims to determine if there is sufficient evidence to establish "substantial grounds" for charges of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder. A written decision will be issued within 60 days, and if confirmed, the case will proceed to trial. For families like Celiz's, this process is crucial. "Since my sons died, fear is no longer in my vocabulary," she said, urging the court to act swiftly. "[The ICC] is our only hope to obtain justice for the victims."
As the hearing unfolds, the world watches to see if Duterte will be held accountable for one of the deadliest campaigns in recent Philippine history, while his supporters argue for sympathy based on his age and health. The outcome could set a significant precedent for international justice and human rights enforcement in Southeast Asia.
