HRW urges Marcos admin to surrender Duterte to ICC

International non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch on Tuesday called on the Marcos administration to surrender former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

HRW Deputy Asia Director Bryony Lau said Duterte's arrest marked a crucial step for accountability in the Philippines.

''Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity in relation to thousands of extrajudicial killings in his ‘war on drugs’ between 2011 and 2019. His arrest could bring victims and their families closer to justice and send the clear message that no one is above the law,'' Lau said.

"The Marcos government should swiftly surrender him to the ICC," he added.

Philippine authorities had arrested Duterte for crimes against humanity, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed earlier in the day.

The PCO stated that when the former president arrived in Manila, authorities served the ICC-issued arrest warrant.

The PCO also confirmed that government doctors examined Duterte and his team to ensure the former Chief Executive was in good condition.

Former Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello, one of Duterte's legal counsels, told GMA News Online that the Duterte camp was assessing its legal options.

Commission on Human Rights

Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has deployed investigators to monitor and assess developments surrounding the case.

''The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) acknowledges the issuance of an arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo R. Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC), as reported by the International Criminal Police Organization or INTERPOL,'' the CHR said in a statement. 

''CHR underscores that due process is an integral pillar of justice—one that safeguards not only the rights of the accused but also ensures that the voices of victims are heard,'' it added.

The CHR stressed that accountability should not focus solely on one individual, emphasizing that "all those who participated and were complicit in the violations must be held to account."

The Commission also highlighted the need for a fair and impartial legal process to uncover the truth and ensure that those responsible are held accountable if found guilty.

''This aligns with CHR’s long-standing call for accountability over human rights violations linked to the campaign against illegal drugs under the Duterte administration,'' the CHR said.

The human rights body also urged relevant offices and agencies to ensure the safety and protection of the families of victims of alleged extrajudicial killings under Duterte's drug campaign.

''Creating a safe and secure environment is a crucial step towards breaking the culture of fear and silence, ultimately empowering more families and witnesses to pursue justice.  It is crucial to continue to ensure their protection and provide an environment where they can freely testify without fear,'' the CHR stated.

The CHR emphasized that the pursuit of justice must not be delayed, as each delay prolongs the suffering of those left behind.

"It bears repeating: the truth cannot be silenced. Accountability must prevail over impunity," the CHR declared. — DVM, GMA Integrated News