EJK victims gather in Cebu, watch Duterte ICC trial

Local

FAMILIES of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims, youth activists, and progressive groups gathered in Cebu City on Friday, March 14, to watch the historic trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

As Duterte faced charges of murder as a crime against humanity, attendees at the watch party listened to Bayan Muna nominee and human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares, who stressed that the ICC case was necessary because the Philippine justice system had failed the victims' families.

Colmenares rejected claims that Duterte’s prosecution was an attack on Philippine sovereignty, pointing out that the country had signed the Rome Statute and was bound to recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction.

He argued that the Philippine justice system had failed the victims' families, leaving them no choice but to seek accountability on the international stage.

Colmenares also rejected claims from Duterte’s allies that allowing an international court to prosecute him was an attack on Philippine sovereignty.

He explained that the Philippines had signed the Rome Statute and, therefore, had an obligation to recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction.

He pointed out the contradiction in the Duterte camp’s argument, saying, "The issue of sovereignty—what's the difference? Now that you're the one being held accountable, you suddenly remember sovereignty?"

Colmenares also noted how Duterte’s administration allowed foreign influence in other areas, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, while now opposing international prosecution.

Bayan Central Visayas leader Jaime Paglinawan said that at least 30 individuals joined the ICC trial watch party.

Meanwhile, Kabataan Partylist second nominee and Cebuano youth advocate Paolo Echavez viewed Duterte’s arrest as a long-overdue step toward justice.

He dismissed efforts by the former president’s allies to discredit the ICC proceedings, saying that no amount of online misinformation could erase the real suffering of victims’ families.

Echavez dedicated the moment to all EJK victims, particularly Skyler Abatayo, a four-year-old boy from Barangay Ermita, Cebu City, who was allegedly accidentally shot by a policeman during an anti-drug operation.

“For the thousands of victims, the broken families, for Skyler Abatayo, four years old, victim of EJK in Cebu, justice will finally be served.”

From 2016 to 2022, human rights groups estimate that up to 30,000 people, mostly from poor communities, were killed in police operations and vigilante attacks linked to the drug war. No high-ranking official has been convicted.

Duterte was arrested earlier this week after an ICC warrant was enforced while he was traveling in Hongkong for an event with overseas Filipino workers organized by the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

His trial marks the first time a Philippine president has faced international prosecution for alleged human rights violations.(MyTVCebu)