The ICC trial of Rodrigo Duterte is a significant victory for the Filipino people. It stands as a testament to the relentless struggle of the Filipino masses and the broad democratic forces who refused to allow the thousands killed under the so-called “war on drugs” to be forgotten. The proceedings have also exposed before the world the systematic nature of the killings carried out during Duterte’s rule. The evidence showed that the killings were part of a broader policy that targeted the poor and were used to suppress all forms of dissent.

The hearings at the ICC also demonstrated that a significant section of the Filipino diaspora stands firmly against the tyrannical rule of despots like Duterte, and of fascist leaders like Marcos Jr. Across the Netherlands, many overseas Filipinos followed the proceedings, organized discussions, mobilized, and voiced their support for justice and accountability.

This week also marked the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Uprising that toppled the Marcos fascist dictatorship. That historic victory proved that when the Filipino people unite and rise in their millions, even the most entrenched tyrants can fall. Today, as the son of the fascist dictator sits in power, the memory of EDSA reminds us that the power of the masses remains greater than any regime that seeks to oppress them.

And yet even if Duterte is eventually tried and convicted at the ICC, we must recognize that the same system that allowed such horrific crimes to occur remains intact. The semicolonial and semifeudal character of Philippine society continues to breed exploitation, corruption, repression, and widespread poverty and landlessness that form the objective basis for the armed revolution. Without changing the system and winning the national democratic revolution, new tyrants will continue to emerge and the suffering of the masses will persist.

At the same time, we encourage all Filipinos overseas to think critically and not be blinded by the lure of fanaticism that continues to envelop sections of Duterte’s support base. Disinformation and personality politics peddled by the likes of Duterte (and even Marcos Jr.) only serve to weaken the people’s capacity to demand genuine change. As migrants who have experienced firsthand the economic realities in the Philippines, we have an important responsibility to examine the facts, to listen to the voices of the people victimized by the same system that drove us away from home, and stand on the right side of history.

As part of the Filipino diaspora, we have an integral role in advancing the struggle for national and social liberation. Overseas Filipinos are in a position to raise international awareness, build solidarity with other peoples, and challenge the very system that sustain the culture of impunity and exploitation in the Philippines. Wherever we may be in the world, our actions matter in advancing the Filipino people’s epic struggle for genuine democracy and lasting peace.

As Compatriots-NDF-Netherlands, we are in a unique position to directly assist in achieving justice in this arena. We are on the side of the oppressed masses who like us, are struggling against a system that suppressed their call for justice. We welcome the truth-telling of the victims and embrace them when them come to testify. Lagi kaming handang kumalinga sa inyo, mga kababayan!

We call on all overseas Filipinos to stand firmly with the Filipino masses. Let us continue to organize, speak out, and take part in the struggle for genuine system change and a truly free and just Philippines.