House 'Young Guns' hail Duterte's arrest: 'No one is untouchable'
At A Glance
- The so-called "Young Guns" of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 11, hailed the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte to face the International Criminal Court (ICC)'s investigation into his deadly war on drugs.
The so-called “Young Guns” of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 11, hailed the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte to face the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s investigation into his deadly war on drugs.
Assistant Majority Leaders Taguig City 2nd district Rep. Pammy Zamora, Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon called Duterte’s arrest a “historic step” in ensuring that justice would be served for the thousands of victims of extra-judicial killings (EJKs) during the former president’s administration.
“This is a victory for justice and accountability. The ICC warrant is not just symbolic—it is a clear signal that no one is untouchable, not even a former president. Former president Duterte must face the consequences of his actions,” they said.
According to them, the development should serve as a warning to all leaders who abuse power.
“The Duterte administration’s bloody drug war has long been condemned worldwide. The issuance of an ICC arrest warrant and an Interpol Red Notice means there is no escape from justice,” they said.
The lawmakers said protecting Duterte from accountability would be a disservice to the Filipino people.
So the government should take a stand, they said.
"Will it side with justice, or will it shield someone wanted for crimes against humanity? The world is watching, and we must be on the right side of history,” they said.
The Young Guns said that Duterte’s allies should refrain from portraying the ICC arrest warrant as the product of political maneuverings.
“They say this is just politics, but the ICC does not issue arrest warrants without substantial evidence. This is not a political stunt—this is justice catching up with the former president,” they said.
The congressmen vowed to keep pushing for justice for the victims of extrajudicial killings and called on the Duterte camp to stop evading responsibility.
“The thousands of families who lost their loved ones deserve closure. Duterte must stop running from accountability. No one is above the law—not him, not anyone,” they said.