I stand with the families and victims of extrajudicial killings in welcoming the ICC’s arrest of former Pres. Duterte. Justice demands that this warrant be enforced without delay. Duterte must be placed under the ICC’s jurisdiction immediately. The Philippine government must fully cooperate with the Interpol and the ICC, mobilizing all law enforcement agencies to bring him in. The government must act decisively and ensure that he has nowhere to hide. No more safe spaces for tyrants.
For decades, Duterte thought himself untouchable—above the law, beyond accountability. But history catches up with even the most ruthless despots. His reign of terror must meet its inevitable end: his conviction.
This is a critical step towards justice, but the fight is far from over. His allies will attempt to shield him, manipulate the system, and derail the process. The government must guarantee full protection for the witnesses and victims’ families, who are now at risk of retaliation.
To the Filipino people: let’s make sure Duterte doesn’t just run out of hiding places—let’s run him straight into the arms of justice. The road to accountability is long, but today, it just got a little shorter.