Mothers Seek Justice for Drug War Victims with Duterte’s ICC Arrest Sparking Renewed Demands for Accountability

Manila, Philippines – Nearly Five Months After International Criminal Court’s Arrest Of Former President Rodrigo Duterte, Dahlia Cuartero, Mother Of Jesus “Daboy” Cuartero, Remains Gripped By A complex Mix Of Relief, Happiness, And Enduring Grief.

Justice For Her Son, after Six Years, Now Seems Tangible.

Cuartero recounts A Grim Reality: At Least Two Deaths Per Week in Her Community during The Six-Year Span Of Duterte’s Drug War, Which Ran From 2016 Too 2022. She Never Imagined Her Son Would Become One Of The Estimated 30,000 Individuals Killed, Often Executed At Close Range In Public Streets.

The international Criminal Court’s Examination Into The Philippine Drug War, Launched In 2021, Has Brought Renewed Scrutiny To The Controversial Policies Implemented Under Duterte’s Administration. The Investigation Focuses On Allegations Of crimes Against Humanity, Including Murder, Torture, And Illegal Imprisonment.

Duterte’s “war On Drugs” Was Characterized By Its Brutality And Lack Of Due Process, Drawing Widespread Condemnation From Human Rights Organizations And International Bodies. Critics Argue That The Campaign Encouraged Extrajudicial Killings And Targeted Vulnerable Populations.

While The Arrest Of Former President Duterte Represents A Notable Step Towards Accountability, The Path To Justice Remains Long And Complex. Families Like The Cuarteros Continue To Seek Closure And demand That Those Responsible For The Killings Be Held Accountable.

The Philippine Government’s Response To The ICC Investigation Has Been Contentious, With Authorities Initially Refusing To Cooperate.However, Recent Developments Suggest A Potential Shift In Approach, Raising Hopes For A More Clear And Accountable Process.

This Case Highlights The Enduring Impact Of Political violence On Communities And The importance Of Upholding The Rule Of Law. It Serves As A Stark Reminder Of the Human cost Of Drug Policies And The Need For Extensive Strategies That Prioritize Public Health And Human Rights.

What Are Your Thoughts? Share Your Reactions In The Comments Below, And Help Us Spread Awareness About This Crucial Issue.

How might the ICC arrest warrant for Duterte impact domestic investigations into the drug war killings in the Philippines?

The ICC Arrest Warrant and its Impact

the recent arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ignited a fresh wave of hope – and demands – from mothers and families of victims of his brutal “war on drugs.” this progress, occurring in August 2025, marks a significant turning point in the pursuit of accountability for alleged extrajudicial killings and human rights violations committed during his presidency (2016-2022). The ICC inquiry focuses on the period between November 1,2011,and March 16,2019,alleging crimes against humanity related to the drug war.

ICC Jurisdiction: The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, but the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was a member.

Allegations: The ICC investigation centers on thousands of deaths linked to police operations and vigilante killings during the drug war.

Duterte’s Response: Duterte has consistently denied allegations of wrongdoing and dismissed the ICC investigation as politically motivated. (As reported by FAZ: https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/thema/rodrigo-duterte)

Voices of the Bereaved: A Long Fight for Justice

For years, mothers like Maria Virginia Torres, who lost her son in a police operation in 2017, have been at the forefront of the fight for justice.These women, often forming support groups and advocacy networks, have faced intimidation, threats, and systemic obstacles in their pursuit of truth and accountability.

The “Nanay” Movement

The emergence of the “Nanay” (Mother) movement has been pivotal. These groups provide emotional support, legal assistance, and a platform for collective action.

Legal Challenges: Families have filed numerous complaints with the Philippine government, but investigations have been slow and often yielded little result.

Documentation Efforts: Nanay groups have meticulously documented cases of alleged extrajudicial killings, gathering testimonies and evidence to support their claims.

International Advocacy: They have actively engaged with international human rights organizations and the ICC, seeking support and urging investigation.

Case Study: The Death of kian delos Santos

The 2017 killing of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos became a symbol of the drug war’s brutality. Police claimed Kian was a drug runner who resisted arrest, but CCTV footage and witness testimonies contradicted their account, suggesting he was deliberately killed.While some police officers were convicted in connection with his death, many families believe the full truth remains hidden and higher-ranking officials have escaped accountability. This case highlights the difficulties in achieving justice within the Philippine legal system.

Obstacles to Accountability in the Philippines

Despite the ICC warrant, significant hurdles remain in achieving justice for the victims of the drug war.

1. Political Interference: The current Philippine government’s stance on the ICC is complex, with ongoing debates about cooperation and sovereignty.
2. Witness Protection: Ensuring the safety and protection of witnesses is crucial, but remains a major challenge due to fear of retaliation.
3. Impunity Culture: A deeply ingrained culture of impunity within the police and government institutions hinders investigations and prosecutions.
4. Evidence Gathering: Collecting and preserving evidence in cases involving alleged extrajudicial killings is often challenging, particularly given the passage of time.

The Role of International Pressure and Support

The ICC arrest warrant has amplified calls for international pressure on the Philippine government to cooperate with the investigation and ensure accountability.

Human Rights Organizations: Groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch continue to advocate for justice and provide support to victims’ families.

Foreign Governments: Several countries have expressed concern about the human rights situation in the Philippines and have called for a thorough and impartial investigation.

Financial Aid Conditionality: Some have suggested linking financial aid to the Philippines to progress on human rights and accountability.

Potential Outcomes and Future Steps

The ICC investigation and potential trials could have several outcomes:

Arrest and Trial of Duterte: If Duterte is apprehended and brought before the ICC, it would send a strong message that those responsible for crimes against humanity will be held accountable.

Domestic Investigations: the ICC investigation could spur the Philippine government to conduct its own credible investigations and prosecutions.

Reparations for Victims: Victims’ families could seek reparations for the harm they have suffered.

strengthening Rule of Law: The pursuit of accountability could contribute to strengthening the rule of law and preventing future human rights violations.

Resources for Victims and Advocates

National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL): Provides legal assistance to victims of human rights violations.

Karapatan: A human rights organization documenting abuses and advocating for justice.

International Criminal Court (ICC): [https://www.icc-cpi.org/](https://www.icc-