ILOILO CITY—The son of slain activist Jory Porquia welcomed the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“There’s a long list of names who have been killed, imprisoned, tortured, disappeared, threatened under Duterte. Tatay is one of them,” said Lean Porquia.
His father Jory was killed in this city on April 30, 2020 at the height of the pandemic.
“The ICC has listened and is starting to bring justice for Tatay,” Lean said. “All he did was to help the poor communities in Iloilo during the pandemic.”
Lean said they have sought all legal remedies available in the country for the murder of his father.
They filed a case before the Department of Justice (DOJ) under Administrative Order No. 35, the inter-agency committee on extra-legal killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and other grave violations.
Lean also said they sought help from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
They sent reports to the United Nations (UN) and its various bodies, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
“I cried upon hearing the news that Duterte was arrested. I felt vindicated. The struggle for justice is long and tiring, but the universe will conspire for the truth and justice!” said Lean.
“I join thousands of families who are steadfastly fighting for justice and share the tears of redemption. The fight for justice is far from over. It is only the start,” added Lean.