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Advocates Philippines
'Nanlaban' Victims Have An Avenue In Seeking Justice For Failed Drug War In ICC - NUPL
Photo credit: NUPL
Manila, Philippines - The recent decision of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) Appeals Chamber to allow the resumption of investigations into the "war on drugs" has sparked various reactions in the Philippines.
The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers released a statement on July 18, 2023, expressing the readiness of victims and their advocates to cooperate with the ICC investigation.
The families who have lost loved ones during the Duterte administration's "war on drugs" killings gathered together to witness the court's decision on the Philippine government's appeal. With guarded hope, they welcomed the decision as a step towards justice for the victims of the widespread and systematic killings that plagued the country.
The families, well-versed in how the ICC operates, are optimistic that this development brings them closer to the truth. They eagerly anticipate the indictment of the "most responsible" individuals, referring to the masterminds and administrators behind the cruel and criminal government policy that led to the deaths of thousands of poor citizens.
From the pain of losing their loved ones in encounters dubbed as "nanlaban" or by the hands of vigilantes, a deep desire for justice and accountability has emerged.
In their pursuit of justice, the affected families urge others who have been victims of the drug-war killings and other crimes under the "war on drugs" policy to come forward. They call on churches and civil society organizations to support these families in documenting their cases for the investigation.
Victims can share their testimonies and case information confidentially. Additionally, they are encouraged to join victim advocacy groups such as Rise Up for Life and for Rights. This collective effort aims to end the prevailing culture of impunity for human rights violations in the Philippines.
Senator Risa Hontiveros hailed the ICC's decision as an important first step in achieving justice for the victims and their families. She expressed hope that the President and the executive agencies would cooperate fully with the ICC investigation to ensure true justice is served. Hontiveros also emphasized the importance of prioritizing the country's well-being over political alliances.
However, former public officials who served under the Duterte administration are in favor of the ICC's jurisdiction in the Philippines. Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque dismissed the ICC's authority and quoted former President Rodrigo Duterte in saying "What do I care about the ICC? From the beginning, I have been saying that as a free, independent, and sovereign nation, only Philippine courts and Filipino judges have jurisdiction over cases that occurred within our territory. That's what sovereignty and jurisdiction mean—exclusive to the exclusion of everyone else."
Roque emphasized Duterte's stance on letting local courts handle cases and reiterated the President's previous statement that he would face local courts but not a foreign or international tribunal.
Senator Francis Tolentino, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, echoed Roque's sentiments, stressing that the ICC lacks jurisdiction from the start. Tolentino maintained that claims suggesting otherwise highlight the ICC's disregard for Philippine sovereignty. He underscored that a foreign entity has no authority to investigate the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Senator Bato dela Rosa, known for his role as the Philippine National Police Chief during the early stages of the drug war, expressed indifference and non-concern about the ICC's decision. He stated, "I don't care; there's nothing we can do if they push through with it. Let them do what they want. I'm not surprised, I'm not concerned, I'm not bothered." When asked if he would cooperate with the investigation, he firmly responded, "No. Because they don't have jurisdiction over us. We are not under their jurisdiction, so why should we cooperate?"
Senate President Migz Zubiri withheld comment until after the ICC's decision is made. He highlighted the protection accorded to Senator Bato dela Rosa, stating that unless proven guilty, the senator should be respected and shielded. Zubiri emphasized the need for the ICC to coordinate with local courts if an arrest warrant is issued.
The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers released a statement on July 18, 2023, expressing the readiness of victims and their advocates to cooperate with the ICC investigation.
The families who have lost loved ones during the Duterte administration's "war on drugs" killings gathered together to witness the court's decision on the Philippine government's appeal. With guarded hope, they welcomed the decision as a step towards justice for the victims of the widespread and systematic killings that plagued the country.
The families, well-versed in how the ICC operates, are optimistic that this development brings them closer to the truth. They eagerly anticipate the indictment of the "most responsible" individuals, referring to the masterminds and administrators behind the cruel and criminal government policy that led to the deaths of thousands of poor citizens.
From the pain of losing their loved ones in encounters dubbed as "nanlaban" or by the hands of vigilantes, a deep desire for justice and accountability has emerged.
In their pursuit of justice, the affected families urge others who have been victims of the drug-war killings and other crimes under the "war on drugs" policy to come forward. They call on churches and civil society organizations to support these families in documenting their cases for the investigation.
Victims can share their testimonies and case information confidentially. Additionally, they are encouraged to join victim advocacy groups such as Rise Up for Life and for Rights. This collective effort aims to end the prevailing culture of impunity for human rights violations in the Philippines.
Senator Risa Hontiveros hailed the ICC's decision as an important first step in achieving justice for the victims and their families. She expressed hope that the President and the executive agencies would cooperate fully with the ICC investigation to ensure true justice is served. Hontiveros also emphasized the importance of prioritizing the country's well-being over political alliances.
However, former public officials who served under the Duterte administration are in favor of the ICC's jurisdiction in the Philippines. Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque dismissed the ICC's authority and quoted former President Rodrigo Duterte in saying "What do I care about the ICC? From the beginning, I have been saying that as a free, independent, and sovereign nation, only Philippine courts and Filipino judges have jurisdiction over cases that occurred within our territory. That's what sovereignty and jurisdiction mean—exclusive to the exclusion of everyone else."
Roque emphasized Duterte's stance on letting local courts handle cases and reiterated the President's previous statement that he would face local courts but not a foreign or international tribunal.
Senator Francis Tolentino, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, echoed Roque's sentiments, stressing that the ICC lacks jurisdiction from the start. Tolentino maintained that claims suggesting otherwise highlight the ICC's disregard for Philippine sovereignty. He underscored that a foreign entity has no authority to investigate the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Senator Bato dela Rosa, known for his role as the Philippine National Police Chief during the early stages of the drug war, expressed indifference and non-concern about the ICC's decision. He stated, "I don't care; there's nothing we can do if they push through with it. Let them do what they want. I'm not surprised, I'm not concerned, I'm not bothered." When asked if he would cooperate with the investigation, he firmly responded, "No. Because they don't have jurisdiction over us. We are not under their jurisdiction, so why should we cooperate?"
Senate President Migz Zubiri withheld comment until after the ICC's decision is made. He highlighted the protection accorded to Senator Bato dela Rosa, stating that unless proven guilty, the senator should be respected and shielded. Zubiri emphasized the need for the ICC to coordinate with local courts if an arrest warrant is issued.
Jul 19, 2023
