Former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares welcomed the rejection of the International Criminal Court (ICC) of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bid for interim release, calling it a significant step toward accountability for the thousands of victims of the brutal drug war.
The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, in a decision dated October 10, found that Duterte’s detention remains necessary under the Rome Statute, citing risks of flight, obstruction of justice through threats against the investigation and witnesses and potential commission of related crimes.
“This is a victory for justice and for the families of the thousands who were killed in Duterte’s murderous drug war. We hope that the ICC will now schedule the Confirmation of Charges hearing postponed due to Pres. Duterte’s delaying tactics. The families of the victims have long yearned for justice now sees a glimmer of hope for their loved ones brutally killed during Duterte’s drug war,” said former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares. “The ICC’s decision recognizes the gravity of the crimes committed and the very real danger that Duterte poses to the pursuit of justice.”
“Ito ay malaking hakbang tungo sa hustisya para sa libu-libong biktima ng drug war. Ang desisyon ng ICC ay nagpapakita na basta magkaisa at lumaban ang mga biktima, walang makakaligtas sa accountability, kahit dating pangulo pa,” Colmenares added.
The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber specifically stated that “Mr Duterte’s detention continues to remain necessary under article 60(2) of the Statute based on each of the requirements set by article 58(1) of the Statute. Pres Duterte aims to avoid trial as the case against him is strong and may escape should he be granted interim release.,” affirming that the conditions for his continued detention under international law remain valid.”After all he is rich and powerful as shown by his economic and political clout in the last election .”
Colmenares emphasized the importance of the decision for the families of victims who have long sought justice.
“For years, the families of drug war victims have been denied justice. They have been silenced, threatened, and dismissed. This ICC decision validates their struggle and sends a clear message that crimes against humanity will not go unpunished,” Colmenares said.
“Ang mensahe ng ICC ay malinaw: ang mga responsable sa masaker ng libu-libong Pilipino ay hindi makakaligtas sa hustisya. This is not just about one man—this is about establishing accountability for systematic human rights violations,” he added.
Colmenares, who has been at the forefront of efforts to hold Duterte accountable for the drug war killings as one of the lawyers who drafted the complaint filed against Duterte in the ICC in 2018 noted that the ICC’s findings on the risks posed by Duterte validate the concerns of human rights advocates.
“The ICC has recognized that Duterte poses risks of flight, obstruction, and potential commission of related crimes. These are not abstract concerns—these are based on his documented pattern of behavior, his threats against witnesses and critics, and his continued influence over institutions that could shield him from accountability,” Colmenares explained.
“Nakita ng ICC ang tunay na panganib na dala ni Duterte sa proseso ng hustisya. His detention is necessary to ensure that justice can proceed without interference,” he stressed.
Colmenares emphasized that the ICC decision should strengthen the resolve of all those seeking justice for drug war victims.
“This decision shows that to some extent international justice mechanisms work, even when domestic institutions fail. It gives hope to the families who have been fighting for years, often at great personal risk, to hold the perpetrators accountable,” Colmenares said.
“Now we need to assert to the ICC that it shouls schedule the Confirmation Hearings soonest. Ang laban para sa hustisya ay mahaba at mahirap, pero ang laban at desisyon ng ICC ay patunay na ang katotohanan at hustisya ay hindi maaaring tabunan ng takot at kasinungalingan,” he concluded.#
