đź“·Karapatan Secretary-General Cristina Palabay
Karapatan, the country’s leading human rights group, responded sharply to Senator Allan Peter Cayetano’s claim that civil libertarians failed to denounce the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) last week.
In its rebuttal, Karapatan expressed offense at Cayetano’s remarks, criticizing politicians like him for such statements.
Cayetano, Duterte’s running mate in the 2016 presidential elections, had referenced past rights activists from the 70s and 80s who defended even the most notorious criminals.
Karapatan Secretary-General Cristina Palabay clarified that legitimate human rights organizations always consider the broader context before making statements.
She emphasized that Duterte himself violated the rights of numerous victims during his “murderous rule.”
Palabay further stated that Duterte’s disregard for fundamental rights, including due process, ultimately led to his ICC arrest.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, chaired by Senator Imee Marcos, initiated an investigation into Duterte’s arrest on May 11. (ZIA LUNA)
