Duterte’s arrest draws mixed reactions

International

THE International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte sparked contrasting reactions, with progressive groups celebrating it as a step toward justice, while his supporters mourning the development.

Jaime Paglinawan, leader of Bayan Central Visayas, called the arrest a “first victory” in the fight for accountability.

“This is the result of years of struggle to seek justice for the thousands of victims of the so-called war on drugs,” he told MyTV Cebu on Tuesday, March 11.

He urged authorities to arrest others allegedly involved in extrajudicial killings, including former generals, high-ranking police officers, and senators.

He also thanked the ICC for responding to long-standing demands from victims' families and human rights advocates.

“We will keep monitoring this case until justice is fully served,” he said. “Duterte and all those responsible must be convicted and sentenced by the ICC.”

Sad day

In a separate interview, Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro of Duterte's Partido Demokratriko Pilipino (PDP), who also leads Hakbang ng Maisug Cebu, sympathized with Duterte’s supporters.

"It's a sad day for the Philippines. Duterte supporters have been calling me and crying. Let us pray for PRRD," Baricuatro said.

Hakbang ng Maisug is responsible for the past indignation rallies here in Cebu to show support to Duterte and allied officials, as well as criticize the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Thousands killed

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Duterte over crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign. Official government records place the death toll from anti-drug operations at over 6,200.

However, human rights organizations and the United Nations estimate the number could be as high as 30,000, with many victims coming from poor communities.

The ICC launched a preliminary examination into the killings in 2018, prompting Duterte to withdraw the Philippines from the court in 2019.

Despite the withdrawal, the ICC retained jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member.

The investigation continued, leading to the issuance of Duterte’s arrest warrant and his subsequent detention upon returning from Hong Kong for "Pasasalamat kay PRRD with OFWs" event organized by members of Kingdom of Jesus Christ of the arrested Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.(MyTVCebu)