4 days ago
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CEBU CITY — The arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) triggered various reactions.
For progressive groups, the arrest is a step toward justice.
Jaime Paglinawan, leader of Bayan Central Visayas, described the arrest as a first victory in the fight for accountability.
"This happened because of years of struggle to seek justice for the thousands of victims of the so-called war on drugs," Paglinawan told The Manila Times on Tuesday.
Paglinawan at the same time urged the authorities to arrest others allegedly involved in extrajudicial killings, including former generals, high-ranking police officers and senators.
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He 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, adding "the ICC must convict and sentence Duterte and all those responsible."
Sad day
For those who believe and support the ex-president, it was a sad day.
Gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro of former ruling party Patrido Demokratriko Pilipino (PDP), who also leads Hakbang ng Maisug Cebu, expressed sympathy for Duterte's supporters.
"It's a sad day for the Philippines. Duterte supporters have been calling me and crying. Let us pray for PRRD," said Baricuatro in a text message to The Manila Times.
Hakbang ng Maisug Cebu, a pro-Duterte movement, has organized multiple indignation rallies in Cebu to express support for Duterte and his allied officials.
The group has also been vocal in criticizing the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., accusing it of abandoning Duterte's policies and failing to address key national issues.
Thousands killed
The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Duterte whom it is accusing of crimes against humanity in connection with his administration's violent antidrug campaign.
Government records report over 6,200 deaths from police operations, but human rights groups estimate the true toll could reach 30,000, with many victims from marginalized communities.
Duterte was already at the height of presidency when the ICC began examining these killings in 2018, leading Duterte to withdraw the Philippines from the court the following year.
However, despite the country's exit, the ICC ruled that it maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member, allowing the investigation to continue.
The investigation continued, ultimately leading to the issuance of Duterte's arrest warrant and his subsequent detention upon his return from Hong Kong after attending the "Pasasalamat kay PRRD."
