Youth groups demand justice for victims of Duterte’s drug war

Several youth groups gathered at the gates of the House of Representatives to demand accountability from the alleged orchestrators of the country’s drug war on November 29, 2023. (Photo from Student Christian Movement of the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – Several youth groups on Wednesday gathered in front of the House of Representatives to demand accountability from former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa for orchestrating the country’s war on drugs.

The groups’ protest coincided with the Congressional hearing with the panel on justice and human rights on calls for the Philippine government to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a joint statement with other progressive youth organizations, the ecumenical youth group Student Christian Movement of the Philippines called the former President a “Herod” who was responsible for the loss of thousands of lives.

“He campaigned for the drug war through the PNP [Philippine National Police], had Bato dela Rosa as one of his henchmen, and continued to implement ‘tokhang’ even after the death toll had risen by the thousands,” the group’s statement read.

“Tokhang” is the term used to refer to the country’s drug war, which was poised as the Duterte administration’s solution to the country’s drug problem.

At the time of the drug war’s implementation, Senator Dela Rosa was the PNP Chief.

The groups likewise assailed Vice President Sara Duterte’s appeal to the Department of Justice not to involve itself with the ICC, saying it encroaches on the country’s sovereignty.

READ: VP Sara respects decision to study PH’s return to ICC

Sara Duterte is the daughter of the former President Duterte.

“The whines of Sara Duterte add credence to that opposition to the ICC involvement serves the selfish interests of former President Duterte and his cohorts who were instrumental in implementing the war on drugs,” the statement continued.

“Let the cries for justice be ‘signs of the times’ for representatives of the ICC. Whatever may happen, the Filipino people will be the greatest judge in seeking accountability, rightness, and closure,” it added.

Several lawmakers have previously filed resolutions urging the Philippine government to cooperate with the ICC, prompting a Congressional hearing.

Last November 24, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that the country is studying the possibility of the country resuming its ICC membership.

The government tally on drug war deaths sits at over 6,000 but rights organization Human Rights Watch puts the number closer to 12,000, with about 3,000 of those deaths attributed to the PNP.

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