Victims of extrajudicial killings and fascism under Rodrigo Duterte celebrated his arrest and presentation before the International Criminal Court (ICC) this March. Philippine National Police personnel arrested Duterte based on an arrest warrant issued by the ICC on March 11, which the International Criminal Police Organization served. The warrant was served upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport from his trip to Hong Kong.

“I was filled with unparalled joy, crying tears of happiness upon Duterte’s arrest,” mother of war on drugs victim and Rise Up Mothers member Nanay Dahlia Cuartero said.

Another victim’s wife Jane Lee said she her emotions were overwhelmed. “I was on the verge of tears, I really wanted to see him (Duterte) in prison, that they pay for their crimes. He merely experienced police arrest while our loved ones were immediately killed. The powerful are immensely different from us ordinary people,” she stated.

On the afternoon of March 11, widespread protests erupted across the country. Over 500 people gathered at Welcome Rotunda in Quezon City, led by families of victims not only of the war on drugs but also of the Duterte regime’s policy of killing activists.

Demonstrations, led mostly by youth groups, were held in La Union, Isabela, Baguio City, Pasig City, Laguna, Tarlac, Iloilo City, and Cebu City. Students also mobilized within campuses such as the University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Manila, University of Sto. Tomas, De La Salle University, and Ateneo de Manila University.

Filipino migrants in many parts of the world also showed their stand against Duterte. Protests were held in the United States, United Kingdom, and other countries. Progressive organizations marched toward the ICC compound to meet Duterte’s arrival with protests.

Families of victims and progressive organizations also staged protests on March 14 and again on March 17 to demand the Philippines to rejoin the ICC and to condemn the Marcos regime for its own fascist crimes.

Complying with due process

The arrest warrant dated March 7 covers cases against Duterte involving killings from November 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019. At least 19 of these killings occurred during his tenure as Davao City mayor and 24 cases during his presidency in the Philippines. These cases best illustrate the pattern of systematic killings under Duterte’s policy.

In an ICC document released on March 13, Duterte was named the “most responsible” for crimes against humanity and the “mastermind” behind crafting and implementing plans targeting “ordinary criminals.” The document also implicated “co-perpetrators” in Duterte’s crimes. The court is expected to release arrest warrants for them as well.

On March 14, Duterte was presented before the Pre-trial Chamber I where he was informed of the charges filed against him and his rights as a suspect. During the 29-minute hearing, the court stated that Duterte was properly served the warrant upon his arrest and informed of his rights as a suspect. It clarified that he underwent medical examination and was declared “fully cognizant” of the court’s proceedings.

The court scheduled the next hearing for September 23 to allow Duterte’s camp time to prepare. During this hearing, it will be determined whether there is sufficient evidence for prosecution to proceed with formal trial proceedings.

If found guilty, Duterte could face up to 30 years in prison, fines, and confiscation of assets acquired through these crimes. The court may also order him to indemnify victims for all their losses.