Manila, Philippines — One month after the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC), families of victims, human rights advocates, and faith-based groups will come together in a powerful act of remembrance and collective action. The Solidarity Action for Victims of Extrajudicial Killings (EJKs) is both a tribute to those whose lives were violently taken and a renewed call for justice, truth, and institutional accountability.
On Friday, April 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:30 PM at Liwasang Diokno, Commission on Human Rights (CHR), human rights communities will gather to affirm that justice remains possible if we stand united.
Former President Duterte was formally presented before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber last month, where he was informed of the charges of Crimes Against Humanity. The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025.
This moment is historic—but it is only the beginning.
The action is being organized by a broad alliance of human rights and religious organizations, including the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines – Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission (CMSP-JPICC), In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND), Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), Human Rights and People Empowerment Center (HRPEC), and the Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court (PCICC), in solidarity with survivors and families of victims.
“This is not just about Duterte—it is about every victim who was silenced, every family who continues to mourn, and a nation still struggling to confront the truth,” said Jhay de Jesus, National Coordinator for iDEFEND.
Fr. Danilo Pilario of CMSP-JPICC reminded us all that, “as people of faith, we are called to accompany the oppressed. Justice is sacred. Accountability is not optional—it is a moral and spiritual duty.”
For Atty. Arpee Santiago of PCICC, this moment marks a turning point: “The arrest is a step forward, but the deeper challenge is to ensure that this accountability process addresses the systemic killings our own justice institutions have long ignored. The ICC only stepped in because the Philippine system refused to.”
Cathy Manalo of HRPEC stressed the need for healing and transformation:
“The state must urgently adopt transitional justice mechanisms to provide victims and their families with support, truth-telling, reparations, and avenues for healing. This dark chapter in our history must also be meaningfully memorialized—so that, as a people, we say never again.”
Edgardo Cabalitan of PAHRA issued a challenge to the current administration:
“President Bongbong Marcos is not exempt from the duty to protect and uphold human rights. We must hold him accountable for putting an end to the continuing killings under the so-called war on drugs, which PAHRA and its members continue to document. This is a chance for him to walk the talk—by shifting both policy and rhetoric—and by rejoining the International Criminal Court as a concrete sign of commitment to justice and rule of law.”
For families left behind, the arrest of Duterte has stirred long-suppressed emotions. One bereaved sister said:
“Ang aking kapatid ay biktima ng EJK. Sa pagka-aresto kay Digong, labis ang aking tuwa. Hindi natutulog ang Diyos—dininig Niya ang dasal kong managot ang may sala at mabigyan ng katarungan ang mga kinitlan ng buhay.”
(My sibling was a victim of an EJK. Duterte’s arrest brought me joy. God does not sleep—He heard my prayers for accountability and justice for the lives taken.)
The Solidarity Action will reaffirm a collective truth that - justice is not a vengeance but a path to healing. The victims' stories should not be forgotten—but rather should form part of our shared journey for truth and accountability.
#DutertePanagutin
CONTACT PERSONS:
JHAY DE JESUS, iDEFEND National Coordinator (09626475079)
EGAY CABALITAN, PAHRA Secretary General (09171037822)
CATHY MANALO, HRPEC Executive Director (09282855505)