ICC final hearing on Duterte case draws supporters and victims' families

The Hague, Netherlands — The fourth and final day of pre-trial hearings at the International Criminal Court in The Hague on the case of former president Rodrigo Duterte will see the prosecution and the defense delivering their last salvo before the judges.

A separate hearing will also be held to review Duterte’s detention at the Scheveningen Prison.

Outside the court, spectators, Duterte supporters, and relatives of victims of the former president’s controversial war on drugs gathered early, lining up with sharply divided expectations.

Some expressed hope that the proceedings would finally bring justice to families affected by the killings, while others said they were hoping for Duterte’s release and return to the Philippines.

Gene Alcantara, a correspondent for Pinoy Portal Europe and a spectator at the final hearing, shared mixed emotions. “At a personal level, I feel na yung mga pinaglaban namin noon ay ma-justify ngayon,” he said.

“But at the same time, we have to give justice to what the other side is doing. Kung ma-persuade nila yung tatlong nakakatakot na judges, good luck. Personally, gusto ko justice ang ma-serve.”

Another observer, Fig Flores, said he attended to witness how the case would move forward. “I’m here just to see how this case will continue. I’m looking forward to hearing the closing statements of both the prosecution and the defense. I do think that justice will prevail, and I want to be here to see that.”

Among those present were relatives of alleged victims of the anti-drug campaign. Llore Pasco, whose two sons were killed during the crackdown, said she was hoping for a fair outcome. “Ang inaasahan namin ay patas na result,” she said. “I am hopeful na pumanig sa mga biktima ang result.”

Supporters of Duterte were also present on the final day of hearings. Weng Olaso Tromp, a Filipino resident in the Netherlands, questioned the venue of the case. “I am a Filipino. I believe that we are a sovereign nation, and if indeed the former president committed crimes, he should be tried in the Philippines,” she said.

She added that while she hoped Duterte would be allowed to return home, she was also reflecting on the broader implications of the case. “I am hopeful na sana makauwi na siya, but at the same time I am preparing my heart kung bakit sa kanya nangyari ito. I hope we all learn from this.”

The judges are expected to deliberate following the close of hearings, with their decision on the next phase of the case to be announced within 60 days.—LDF, GMA Integrated News