Photo courtesy from PNA

Families of individuals who allegedly suffered abuses during the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign joined rights advocates at the University of the Philippines Diliman on Monday to witness the opening of the confirmation of charges hearing against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court.

The hearing, streamed live from The Hague, marks the ICC’s formal evaluation of evidence to determine whether the alleged crimes against humanity case against Duterte will proceed to a full trial.

Families, Advocates Hold Solidarity Gathering at UP Diliman

Rights organizations hosted a public viewing and solidarity event on campus, drawing families of victims, women’s groups, and community supporters. While organizers described the crowd as large, no independently verified attendance figure has been released.

Participants held photos of relatives whose deaths or disappearances remain unresolved, with many saying the ICC process offers renewed hope for justice nearly a decade after the first complaints were filed.

Conti Clarifies: Europe Trip Was Not Government-Funded

Human rights lawyer Kristina Conti dispelled claims circulating online that the Philippine government paid for families who traveled to Europe to observe the ICC proceedings.

Conti stressed that all expenses were raised independently.

She said the Duterte Panagutin Campaign Network, Rise Up for Life and for Rights, and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers each conducted their own fundraising initiatives. No government budget, she emphasized, was used to support the trip.

Rights Groups Renew Call for Broad Accountability

In a joint statement issued February 23, human rights organizations urged the ICC to confirm all charges and ensure responsibility extends to other personalities they allege were involved in implementing or enabling the anti-drug campaign.

Individuals frequently named in advocacy statements include former national police chief Ronald dela Rosa and former presidential aide-turned-senator Bong Go, along with police officers who conducted ground operations.

The groups also highlighted reported patterns of intimidation affecting journalists, community volunteers, lawyers, and activists, framing these as part of a broader environment of repression.

Church Leaders, Lawmakers Join Calls for Justice

Ahead of the hearing, a Mass for Justice and Truth was held at Malate Church. Attendees included Kabataan Partylist Rep. Renee Co, members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, advocacy groups, and families of victims.

In his homily, Gerardo Alminaza emphasized that the children of victims “deserve a world where their truth is not buried,” underscoring the lasting effects of unresolved killings on families.

Push to Rejoin ICC Gains Traction

Amid renewed focus on the case, Kabataan Partylist and the Makabayan Bloc filed House Resolution No. 809 urging the Philippines to rejoin the ICC. The country withdrew its membership in 2019 during Duterte’s term.

Proponents argue that returning to the ICC would restore an important avenue for accountability and international oversight.

A Critical Phase in a Long Pursuit of Justice

For families gathered at UP Diliman, the opening of the confirmation of charges hearing marks a pivotal moment in their years-long fight for truth and accountability. The ICC’s decision on whether to advance the case to trial will shape the next chapter of their struggle.

One mother, clutching a framed photo of her son, said: “Tuloy-tuloy ang laban. Lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot.”