Rodrigo Duterte’s lawyers once again failed to secure his temporary release from the International Criminal Court (ICC) custody. On November 28, the court dismissed their appeal to review its earlier decision denying the petition for his interim release or temporary freedom.

In short, the court found no basis to overturn its previous ruling. It said the possibility remains high that he will not appear before the court if he is allowed to leave detention. He continues to wield political influence in the Philippines, and his family has resources, making his escape likely. Duterte also has history of obstructing investigations into his crimes, increasing the likelihood that he would interfere with the proceedings.

“We thank the Appeals Chamber for listening to our plea for justice. Duterte must remain in jail while the case against him is being heard,” Nay Llore, one of the mothers of many victims killed in Duterte’s fake war on drugs and a member of the group Rise Up for Life and for Rights, said.

The National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) also welcomed the decision.

“Duterte in detention is crucial for victims and witnesses to feel safe,” the NUPL stated. “It is an assurance that he cannot simply intimidate persons, interfere with the evidence, or disrupt proceedings.”

“Even now that he is jailed, my fellow supporters and I continue to face harassment from DDS supporters,” Nanay Dahlia said. “They spread false information, call us liars, families of addicts, and hurl all sorts of hurtful words at us. They want us to stop demanding justice.”

The victims’ families and their lawyers are still waiting for the ICC’s ruling on the Duterte lawyers’ appeal regarding the court’s jurisdiction over his crimes against humanity. They are also awaiting the court’s declaration, based on the advice of independent doctors and experts, that Duterte is “fit to stand trial.”

No matter how long the hearing of the case takes, the families and their lawyers vowed to remain steadfast until justice is achieved.

“We have been crying out for justice for nearly ten years now, but we will not give up for our loved ones. Duterte and his accomplices must be held accountable for their crimes,” the mothers of Rise Up for Life and for Rights declared.