The families of victims of Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war welcomed the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s rejection of the former president’s challenge to jurisdiction paving the way for the continuation of investigations.
Members of the Rise Up for Life and for Rights hailed the Court for rejecting Duterte camp’s challenge, adding that with the rejection, the accused mastermind of thousands of killings is not getting off the hook easily.
READ: ICC cans Duterte’s jurisdiction challenge
Mothers of several victims said they wish confirmation of charges proceedings against Duterte shall immediately proceed after the ICC rejection of Duterte’s appeal as it has nearly been a decade since the complaints have been filed.
“Good news po para sa aming mga pamilya ng biktima ng war on drugs ang desisyon ng ICC hinggil sa hurisdiksyon. Isa na namang malaking balakid ang natanggal para maumpisahan na ang paglilitis kay Duterte sa kanyang krimen laban sa sangkatauhan. Umaasa po kami na matutuloy na ang mga pagdinig sa lalong madaling panahon.” – Dahlia Cuartero
“Ang usapin kung may kapangyarihan ang ICC sa kaso ng dating pangulo sa mga pagpaslang kaugnay ng polisiya ng war on drugs ang nais takasan ng mga Duterte. Ang layunin ng mga ginagawang hakbang ng kampo ng mga Duterte ay para maantala ang paglilitis sa dating pangulo. Hindi pagtakas sa pananagutan ang nais ng mga pamilya ng biktima kundi ang harapin ni Duterte ito ng buong tapang kung paano siya nag-utos ng ‘Kill, kill, kill!’ noong siya ay pangulo.” – Jane Lee
“Matagal na tayong naghihintay. Sana sa lalong madaling panahon ay masimulan na ang paglilitis.” – Llore Pasco
Pasco urged for greater unity among victims’ families and urged more kin to speak out for justice.
Meanwhile, victims’ families together with church people, lawyers, community leaders gathered last Sunday to remember lost family members as part of the observance of All Souls’ Day next weekend.
Ecumenical prayers and updates on the case against Duterte were conducted that concluded with a ritual of remembrance. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
