The lead convenors of the People’s Impeachment Movement welcomed the International Criminal Court’s issuance of an arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte, describing it as a significant step towards justice for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the previous administration’s bloody war on drugs.
The People’s Impeachment Movement—an alliance of priests, pastors, laypeople, and faithful citizens of the Philippines committed to eradicating corruption in the country—is actively urging the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and ultimately hold her accountable for her alleged wrongdoings.
“Ang pagpapalabas ng arrest warrant ng ICC laban kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ay importante at napakalaking hakbang tungo sa pagbibigay ng hustisya para sa libu-libong biktima ng EJKs na dulot ng kanyang madugong giyera kontra iligal na droga,” Fr. Flavie Villanueva, also of Program Paghilom, said.
Program Paghilom provides holistic support to families of EJK victims, such as psychosocial assistance, legal aid, livelihood opportunities, and dignified burials for victims whose families cannot afford proper interment.
He also called on the government to stand by its earlier pronouncement that it will cooperate with Interpol in enforcing Duterte’s arrest so he can be held accountable for his crimes against the Filipino people.
“Dapat manindigan ang gobyerno sa nauna nitong pahayag na makikipagtulungan sa Interpol sa pag-aresto kay Duterte upang magsimula na ang proseso ng pagpapanagot sa kanya,” Fr. Villanueva said.
“Ito na ang inaabangang yugto ng mga pamilya ng EJK victims na naghihintay pa rin ng katarungan sa sinapit ng kanilang mahal sa buhay. Patunay rin ito na walang sinasanto ang batas, kahit dati ka pang Pangulo ng bansa,” said PIM member Fr. Bong Sarabia, a co-filer of the third impeachment complaint against VP Sara.
“Ito na po ang sagot sa ilang taong pinagdarasal naming katarungan para sa mga napaslang naming mga asawa at kapatid,” said Da (not her real name), an EJK survivor.
During the HQC hearings, there were notable testimonies that pointed to the use of confidential funds by the millions as a reward system in executing the blood war on drugs during the Duterte administration.
Several families of EJK victims joined the PIM’s launch, echoing the group’s call to hold the Dutertes accountable for their sins against the Filipino and reject their family’s attempt to return to power.