Human rights defenders rally in Berlin, demand justice for Duterte’s drug war victims

Berlin, Germany – At Berlin’s historic Brandenburg Gate, demonstrators gathered Monday, March 24, in an atmosphere that was a mix of mourning and hope. Some held up banners with photographs of victims of extrajudicial killings during the brutal drug war of the administration of Rodrigo Duterte.

During the early days of Duterte’s presidency when dead bodies were piling up on streets, many of the dead had crude cardboard signs around their necks, scrawled with the warning: “Drug Pusher Ako. Wag Tularan” (I’m a drug pusher. Don’t be like me.)

This time, activists turned that grim image into a call for justice, holding up a banner headlined with a demand for “Justice for the 30,000 Filipinos killed under Duterte’s Drug War.”

The demonstrators representing activist groups Alpas Pilipinas, Gabriela Germany, and International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) Germany, and other international advocacy groups celebrated Duterte’s March 11 arrest and subsequent detention at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

While activists welcomed Duterte’s arrest, they also called for the arrest and prosecution of Duterte’s allies who played a central role in implementing the violent anti-drug campaign, including former chief of the Philippine National Police Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. Now a Senator, as PNP chief, Dela Rosa was unwavering in defending the drug war despite mounting evidence of human rights violations. 

Human Rights Defenders Rally in Berlin to Demand Justice for Duterte’s Drug War Victims. Ana P. Santos/Rappler

Human Rights Defenders Rally in Berlin to Demand Justice for Duterte’s Drug War Victims. Ana P. Santos/Rappler

Human Rights Defenders Rally in Berlin to Demand Justice for Duterte’s Drug War Victims. Ana P. Santos/Rappler

Human Rights Defenders Rally in Berlin to Demand Justice for Duterte’s Drug War Victims. Ana P. Santos/Rappler

Mourning the lives lost

Protestors took turns reading out the names of those slain in the drug war that claimed the lives of mostly poor young men who were executed vigilante-style. 

“We need to remember that those who were killed were people who were loved and continue to be missed by their families,” Enzo Camacho, head of Alpas Pilipinas said.

Among those remembered was Kian delos Santos, a 17-year-old student whose death became the symbol of the merciless violence of Duterte’s drug war. Delos Santos’s killing in August 2017 was caught on CCTV footage where police were seen dragging him away before being shot. The teen reportedly begged the police for his life, his final words being, “Please stop. I still have a test tomorrow.” His wrongful death sparked outrage and massive protests.

Ensuring continued vigilance

The demonstrators also warned against complacency, urging human rights organizations and international watchdogs to remain vigilant in ensuring Duterte faces full accountability. 

Despite the charges against him , Duterte continues to enjoy massive support, both in the Philippines and among the overseas Filipino communities around the world. 

Upon learning of his arrest, dozens of Duterte’s supporters flocked to The Hague and gathered outside the ICC, braving the cold to protest Duterte’s detention. Other demonstrations were seen in London, with Filipino protestors demanding Duterte’s release.

The activists also dismissed attempts by the current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to claim credit for Duterte’s arrest. Many pointed out that Duterte’s arrest was the result of years of tireless advocacy by human rights defenders, families of victims, and international legal bodies.

“The fight for justice will be long and we will be there with the Filipino community fighting side by side. I move forward after this first step knowing in my whole body and heart that justice will be served because we will not stop fighting until it is,” said Mary Walle of ICHRP Germany.

Global clamor for justice

Human rights organizations, media outlets, and advocacy groups have long documented the drug war’s catastrophic death count which is estimated to be between 6,000 and a staggering 30,000. The majority of the slain were young men from impoverished neighborhoods, leaving their families to grapple with both emotional devastation and financial hardship.

The Berlin demonstration was just one of many international protests organized by Filipino human rights advocates. Similar rallies clamoring for the prosecution of Duterte were held by Filipino and international rights activists in the US by Bayan USA.

Duterte’s arrest is seen as a significant milestone in global efforts to hold leaders accountable for state-sponsored violence. A confirmation hearing for the charge of crimes against humanity is set for September 23. – Rappler.com