📷Former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares
Bayan Muna officially launched the White Ribbon: Duterte Panagutin” campaign today at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, joining families of victims, human rights advocates and faith-based groups in a united call for justice for those killed under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody “war on drugs.”
The campaign seeks to mobilize nationwide support for the ongoing pursuit of accountability, as Duterte currently faces trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for crimes against humanity. According to official government data, the PNP admitted to at least 6,252 individuals—mostly from urban poor communities—were killed during the Duterte regime’s anti-drug operations.
Former Bayan Muna Congressman Atty. Neri Colmenares underscored the gravity of the campaign, stating:
“We are here today not only to remember the victims, but to demand that Rodrigo Duterte be held accountable for the mass murder of the poor. The white ribbon symbolizes our collective grief, but more importantly, our unwavering resolve to seek justice.”
“Krimen laban sa sangkatauhan ang sistematikong pagpatay lalo nang libu-libong mahihirap sa ngalan ng giyera kontra droga. Hindi ito simpleng pagkukulang—ito ay krimen laban sa sangkatauhan. Panagutin si Duterte,” Colmenares added.
The campaign began on March 28, 2025—Duterte’s 80th birthday—and continues as a public reminder that impunity must not prevail. Participants tied white ribbons at the foot of the Bantayog and distributed ribbons at St. Peter Church along Commonwealth Avenue, calling on the public to wear white ribbons, display campaign stickers and pins, and change social media profile photos to the campaign logo as acts of solidarity.
Colmenares also directed strong words at the Marcos Jr. administration:
“We call on the Marcos government to stop its hypocrisy. If it truly values justice, it must protect the victims and their families, and fully cooperate with the ICC proceedings. The state must not be an accomplice to impunity.”
“Huwag nating hayaang muling maulit ang madugong kasaysayan. Ang pananahimik ay pakikiisa sa karahasan. Ang pagkilos ay pagpanig sa katarungan,” Colmenares concluded.
Joining the launch were members of RISE UP for Life and for Rights, church leaders, people’s lawyers, and relatives of EJK victims. Legal counsel and Bayan Muna 5th nominee Atty. Krissy Conti provided updates on ICC preparations leading to the scheduled September 2025 hearings.
The White Ribbon Campaign marks a sustained effort to ensure accountability and uphold the dignity and rights of the marginalized. Bayan Muna and allied people’s organizations vow to continue the fight until justice is served. #