KARAPATAN welcomed the International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III’s decision, made public yesterday, finding former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial for crimes against humanity.
Preparations for his trial are now full steam ahead. The delays and maneuvers of his defense counsel, for him not to face justice, should all be put to rest. After years of impunity, the victims and their families deserve nothing less than a genuine process of accountability. We reiterate that Duterte must be held responsible for all the grave human rights violations committed under his watch.
The proceedings must move forward without unnecessary delays and that the rights of victims and their families to truth, justice, and accountability must be upheld. The scheduled opening of the trial on November 30 is crucial in the pursuit of justice for the victims of extrajudicial killings and other crimes committed during Duterte’s bloody anti-drug campaign.
Again, justice must not stop with Duterte. Those who planned, enabled, and carried out the killings, as well as those who continue to shield perpetrators from accountability, must also be held to account. Bato dela Rosa must be arrested immediately. All of Duterte’s minions should be brought to justice.
We call on the Filipino people to remain vigilant and steadfast in demanding justice for the victims of extrajudicial killings.