HOTSPOT
The International Criminal Court this week did something mind-boggling, even miraculous, for millions of Filipinos: It ordered a full investigation into the illegal drugs campaign-related killings during the Duterte administration.
The court found that there exists a “widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population,” and also that killings brought to its attention were “neither legitimate nor mere excesses in an otherwise legitimate operation.”
It is an initial vindication for families who have lost fathers, mothers, children or siblings to the drug war that was launched when Duterte became president in 2016.
It is a forward step in the search for justice for the likes of Irma Locasia, Dennise David, Maria Lozano, Mariel Sabangan, Normita Lopez, Purisima Dacumos and Rise Up’s Fr. Gilbert Billena who courageously filed on Aug. 27, 2018 a Communication and Complaint against President Duterte with the office of the ICC Prosecutor.
Meanwhile, Duterte has withdrawn the Philippines from the Rome Statute. He and his officials also openly attacked the ICC prosecutor, process and procedures that guarantee due process not just for the complainants but also for this administration. The action was unsurprising.
But it should start to be obvious now that there are limits to this administration’s power.
In reaction to the ICC order for an investigation, the Duterte administration said the door is shut tight against any ICC investigator who seeks to enter the Philippines. Good thing, we have the internet. Victims, witnesses and resource persons could still appear before the court’s representatives by video conference.
In their 50-page Communication and Complaint, Irma, Dennise, Maria, Mariel, Normita, Purisima, and Rise Up’s Fr. Gilbert brought to the ICC the stories of their family members and other persons.
When the relatives of victims went to the ICC in 2018, it was unsurprising to hear comments that the complainants were just daydreaming or worse, hallucinating.
Now, three years later, that “analysis” has changed: The victims’ families are not the ones daydreaming or hallucinating. Guess who did.
For now, the stories of Salvador Locasia Jr.; John Jezreel David; Crisanto and Juan Carlos Lozano; Bernabe Sabangan; Djastin Lopez; Danilo Dacumos; and thousands of others are waiting to be told in full to the ICC. Let’s support, protect and listen to them.
These are stories of people who had been labeled criminals and denied a full and fair hearing. Their deaths have not been explained or defended in Philippine courts. The police implemented orders to kill, and Duterte had assured that he will answer for them.
It is now the time to ask: If they have nothing to hide or to be afraid of, why run away from the ICC? If they are innocent, why are they kicking and screaming over a procedure where they are assured to be heard and in a situation where they control the entire machinery of government?