Victims, their lawyers and supporters expressed deep disappointment at the decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to postpone the scheduled confirmation of the crimes against humanity case against Rodrigo Duterte on September 23. The court upheld the lawyers’ claim that Duterte was “unfit to stand trial.” The ICC prosecution said Duterte’s own children state that their father is of sound mind.

Since Duterte was placed under ICC custody, his lawyers have actively pushed to delay and eventually dismiss the case against him. They submitted a series of petitions to block the confirmation of the charges.

The victims strongly oppose these schemes. They call for the immediate continuation of the hearing.