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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte loses ICC appeal: Emotions flow among victims, supporters

Duterte loses ICC appeal: Emotions flow among victims, supporters

Published Nov 29, 2025 08:49 am
Families of drug war victims watch a livestream on the ICC hearing of former president Rodrigo Duterte's interim release appeal at the UP College of Law in Diliman, Quezon City on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Tinay Palabay/KARAPATAN)
Families of drug war victims watch a livestream on the ICC hearing of former president Rodrigo Duterte's interim release appeal at the UP College of Law in Diliman, Quezon City on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Tinay Palabay/KARAPATAN)
Emotions ran high among the families of drug war victims and the supporters of the Duterte family as they watched unfold the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber to affirm the Pre-Trial Chamber I’s (PTC I) ruling to reject former president Rodrigo Duterte’s interim release bid.
The Appeals Chamber—composed of five judges—unanimously rejected all three grounds of the defense’s appeal to overturn the pre-trial chamber’s decision on Duterte’s temporary release application.
The former president waived his right to be present during the hearing, which was livestreamed on the ICC’s website and social media accounts.
He was represented only by his lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, while the kin of drug war victims—through Rise Up for Life and for Rights—held a watch party in Quezon City to hear the ICC’s decision.
Drug war victims
Nay Llore, a relative of a victim, expressed her gratitude to the Appeals Chamber for bringing the victims one step to getting justice.
“Dapat manatili sa kulungan si Duterte habang dinidinig ang kaso laban sa kanya (Duterte should remain in jail while his case is being heard),” she stressed.
Nanay Dahlia, another relative, lamented how they are being harassed by Duterte supporters
“Nagpapakalat sila ng mga pekeng impormasyon, binabansagan kaming sinungaling, pamilya ng mga adik at kung ano-ano pang masasakit na salita. Gusto nilang tumigil kami sa paggigiit ng hustiya (They spread fake information, they call us liars, families of drug addicts and many more hurtful words. They want us to stop seeking justice),” she added.
KARAPATAN Secretary General Cristina Palabay, in a statement, said this decision has brought "a measure of certainty to the victims’ quest for justice" at the ICC.
“It does not mean the struggle is over, but it keeps the path open, and the victims have that degree of assurance that Duterte is in prison,” Palabay stressed, noting the hearing on confirmation of charges against Duterte must immediately commence without delays.
Duterte supporters
Davao City 2nd District Rep. Omar Duterte, the former president’s grandson, was in The Hague, Netherlands to personally oversee his grandfather’s welfare.
Asked about his reaction to the ICC’s decision, the younger Duterte said he was shocked and sad at the result of the appeals.
“We expected they appeal to their humanitarian side. They know PRRD, they know their age, they know he uses a cane to walk so I know that he is not a risk to nobody. When I heard that they rejected all three grounds to interim release, I was shocked but sadness took over my shock,” he told supporters and former presidential spokesman Harry Roque in The Hague.
He also called out the Marcos administration, calling it “borderline inhumane” to take the elder Duterte away from his family and country.
“I hope they’re happy right now. I hope they feel vindicated for what they did. I hope they got some sort of reward for this. This is almost borderline inhumane—taking him away from his family, away from the land he calls home. I hope they’re happy,” he added, while also thanking Duterte supporters for the “love, respect, and admiration” they continue to shower the former president.
Janet Suliman, a Duterte supporter in the Netherlands, also questioned the lack of humanitarian considerations for the 80-year-old ex-leader
“Dito sa (Here in) Holland, international human rights is here in Holland so kung i-deny nila (if they deny), where is the human rights?,” she asked, adding that they gather “rain or shine” because they want to show their love and support to the former president.
Supporters of the former president gathered for a meal outside the ICC detention center in The Hague on Friday after the court's denial of Duterte's appeal for interim release.
“We are not going to give up. Ang laban hindi pa tapos. Tuloy pa rin kami hanggang 2028. Magbabalik ang mga Duterte. Malinis lahat yan, tanggal lahat mga buwaya diyan (The fight is not yet over. We will continue until 2028. The Dutertes will come back. That will all be clean again, those crocodiles will be removed),” she said.
In the context of Philippine politics, crocodiles is a metaphor for corrupt and greedy politicians.

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Duterte Supporters ICC interim release drug war victims Rodrigo Duterte
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