ILOILO City – Activists and human rights advocates hailed the arrest of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday, March 11, following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs.
Duterte was taken into police custody shortly after arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Hong Kong.
Calls for Accountability
Kabataan party-list’s Cong. Raoul Manuel, a native of Iloilo City, described the arrest as “long overdue and well-deserved.” He emphasized that Duterte is receiving due process, unlike the thousands who were killed in his administration’s anti-drug campaign and crackdown on activists.
“At least Duterte is being talked about before being imprisoned, unlike the thousands of poor Filipinos and activists who were simply eliminated under his administration,” Manuel said.
He challenged the former president to face the allegations against him and expressed hope that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would not delay the legal proceedings.
“Marcos Jr. must not prolong the accountability process. The people demand justice, and the youth will not hesitate to fight for it,” he added.
Gabriela party-list’s Cong. Arlene Brosas echoed Manuel’s sentiments.
“The arrest is only a step forward. Duterte must stand trial before the ICC, and the Marcos administration must ensure he does not escape justice,” she stressed.
Bayan-Panay secretary-general Elmer Forro cited the case of slain Iloilo activist Jory Porquia as one of many injustices under Duterte’s rule.
“This is just the beginning. Justice must be served not only for the victims of the drug war but also for the persecuted activists,” Forro said.
He urged vigilance to ensure Duterte remains in custody and does not evade accountability.
Families of Victims Speak Out
Lean Porquia, son of Jory Porquia, expressed relief and vindication upon hearing of Duterte’s arrest.
“The ICC has listened and brought justice for my father. We fought for justice through all legal means, and finally, this is a step toward accountability,” he said.
Porquia vowed to continue the fight for justice, emphasizing that many others responsible for human rights violations under Duterte’s administration must also be held accountable.
“This is just the beginning. There are still many butchers who must be jailed,” he said.
The ICC has accused Duterte, 79, of crimes against humanity, particularly for his administration’s drug war, which human rights groups estimate claimed tens of thousands of lives, mostly among the urban poor./PN
