The Duterte Panagutin Network strongly supports the recent recommendation of the House of Representatives Quad Committee to file charges of crimes against humanity against former President Rodrigo Duterte and his key allies. Victims and their families, along with human rights organizations, have long maintained that the killings are part of a larger orchestrated scheme, which is precisely why this crime has been alleged before the International Criminal Court as well. The Quad Committee’s recognition of systematicity in the killings is a significant development that represents a critical step toward justice for the countless victims of extrajudicial killings, abuse of power, and systemic human rights violations during Duterte’s administration.
The Quad Committee’s report recommends prosecuting former President Duterte, Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Christopher Lawrence Go, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs Oscar Albayalde and Debold Sinas, and other high-ranking officials for their involvement and complicity in egregious crimes against the Filipino people. Additionally, the panel’s findings highlight Duterte’s and his co-conspirators’ roles in the murder of three Chinese nationals at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in August 2016. These acts of violence reveal a consistent pattern of impunity and lawlessness under Duterte’s administration, one that has left a legacy of corruption and chaos persisting to this day.
The committee has also recommended charges against those linked to the murder of General Wesley Barayuga, exposing further the entrenched culture of violence and abuse during Duterte’s tenure.
The recommendations by the Quad Committee mark growing recognition of organized atrocities committed under the so-called “war on drugs.” We echo Congressman Robert Ace Barbers’ call for thorough investigations to fully uncover the extent of these crimes and hold all perpetrators accountable. Duterte and his cohorts’ involvement in the killings of activists especially in Negros and Southern Tagalog must also be investigated.
The victims of Duterte’s brutal regime — and their grieving families — deserve justice and reparations. We call on the Department of Justice, international human rights bodies, and all relevant institutions to ensure that these recommendations lead to decisive legal action.
Justice delayed is justice denied, and the Filipino people can wait no longer.
As defenders of human rights, the Duterte Panagutin Network remains unwavering in its mission to uphold accountability, demand justice, and safeguard democracy. We urge citizens, civil society organizations, and the global community to unite in holding Duterte and his allies accountable for their crimes. Together, we can restore integrity and justice to our nation.
*The initiators of the network are the following: Mo. Mary John Mananzan, OSB, Movement Against Tyranny; former Sen. Leila de Lima; former Comm. Karen Gomez-Dumpit; former Rep. Teddy Casino, Bayan Chairperson; Edita Burgos, Karapatan Vice Chairperson; Llore Pasco, Rise Up for Life and for Rights; Joel Saracho, HPEC Board Member; Atty. Antonio La Vina; Atty. Anacleto Rei Lacanilao III; Atty. Vicente Jaime Topacio, Liezl Asuncion and Lean Porquia, Hustisya National Board members; Atty. Rommell Lumagui, Artikulo Tres Human Rights Alliance; Atty. Anna Maria Abad, Adamson University College of Law Dean; Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, Paghilom; Fr. Daniel Frankline Pilario, CM, Adamson University President; Most. Rev. Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D., Church People-Workers Solidarity and One Voice; Dss Rubylin Litao, UMC, Rise Up for Life and for Rights; Benjamin Mirasol, RESBAK; Cristina Palabay, Karapatan Secretary General; Zena Bernardo, HRPEC Board Member; Atty. Dino de Leon, HRPEC; Amirah Lidasan, Sandugo; Sr. Eleanor Llanes, ICM, and Fr. Noel Gatchalian, SVD, Rise Up Core advocates; Dss Norma Dollaga, UMC, Kasimbayan; Sr. Ma. Lisa Ruedas, DC, One Faith. One Nation. One Voice; Fr. Rico Ponce, O.Carm, Prior Provincial of the Carmelite Philippine Province of St. Titus Brandsma; Rev. Juliet Solis-Aguilar, UCCP-United Metropolis Conference Minister; The Rev. Fr. Noel Bordador, Episcopal Priest (USA); Sr. Rebecca Pacete and Sr. Fe Mandreza, Medical Mission Sisters; Sr. Maureen Catalan, RGS; Fr. Bong Sarabia, CM; Fr. Wilfredo Dulay, MDJ, Missionaries of Jesus; former UP CSWCD Dean Lito Manalili; Joel Ariate, researcher; Atty. Jin Arabejo; Angel Romero, Voices of Women for Justice and Peace; and more.