Today’s arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant marks a long-awaited and historic victory for environmental activists, human rights defenders, and the Filipino masses. This moment is a testament to the tireless efforts of those who have fought against the culture of impunity that defined Duterte’s rule—a regime marked by relentless human rights abuses, environmental destruction, and state-sponsored violence.
Duterte’s administration institutionalized terror through policies like the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), established under Executive Order No. 70 in 2018. The NTF-ELCAC’s “Whole-of-Nation” approach militarized governance, targeting civilians, activists, and indigenous communities under the guise of counterinsurgency. These policies legitimized red-tagging and vilified critics as “terrorists,” silencing dissent and endangering democratic spaces. Duterte’s so-called “war on drugs” claimed tens of thousands of lives, with thousands more forcibly disappeared or illegally detained. Environmental defenders were not spared, with at least 251 extrajudicial killings, 21 enforced disappearances, 57 illegal arrests and detentions, and 13 trumped-up anti-terror charges recorded against them during his presidency.
This arrest is not just about holding one man accountable; it symbolizes a broader reckoning with state-sponsored violence and repression. However, justice must not stop with Duterte. His accomplices—those who implemented his violent policies, enabled his abuses, and benefited from his regime—must also be held accountable. From police officers who carried out extrajudicial killings to government officials who orchestrated cover-ups and perpetuated systemic violence, all must face justice for their roles in these atrocities.
While this development is a victory, Duterte’s arrest also exposes the deep rot within the Philippine political system that allowed such atrocities to persist. His actions paved the way for the rehabilitation of the Marcos family by enabling Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery)—an act that legitimized their return to power. Today, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we see a continuation of Duterte-era policies that prioritize foreign interests over Filipino sovereignty and patrimony. The NTF-ELCAC remains operational with a bloated budget of 10 billion pesos for 2024, while militarization of communities continues under the guise of development projects. Marcos has also maintained Duterte’s repressive frameworks, including the Anti-Terrorism Act, which remains a tool for silencing dissenters.
This historic moment must serve as a reminder that no leader is above the law – and neither are their accomplices. However, justice must not stop with Duterte. We demand vigilance in ensuring that this process is not derailed by political interference from the current administration. The Filipino people are watching closely to ensure that this step forward does not become an isolated event but rather a catalyst for systemic change.
We call on all Filipinos to remain steadfast in demanding accountability—not only for Duterte’s crimes but also for ongoing abuses under the Marcos administration. The fight for justice continues, and this moment should inspire collective action to dismantle impunity and protect human rights, our environment, and our democracy. This is not just an end; it is a beginning—a powerful reminder that when people unite against tyranny, even the most oppressive regimes can be held to account.#
