On the Hearing on Confirmation of Charges vs Duterte by the International Criminal Court
KARAPATAN Public Information
Duterte Panagutin Campaign Network
PRESS STATEMENT
23 February 2026
For reference: Atty. Jojo Lacanilao, convenor, Duterte Panagutin Campaign Network, +63 917 812 8262
On the Hearing on Confirmation of Charges vs Duterte by the International Criminal Court
Today, the hearing on the confirmation of charges of murder and attempted by the International Criminal Court's Pre-Trial Chamber I marks a historic step in the long search for justice and accountability.
For years, thousands of families have carried the burden of loss and prolonged grief. While the hearing on confirmation of charges does not talk about a declaration of guilt, the proceedings today affirm that crimes have been committed and the victims have been given a space and their presence and voices are recognized.
It has been 10 years since Duterte launched and implemented the "war on drugs" nationwide, and almost four decades since the Davao Death Squad was created. Domestic remedies for justice and reparation to victims and their families are still difficult to access and Duterte’s co-perpetrators remain in power.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Vice President–Duterte’s daughter, formally announced that she is vying for presidency in 2028.
Clearly, the Dutertes are flexing their power to evade accountability. We anticipate that the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber I will confirm the charges for crimes against humanity against Duterte without delay, and that the trial would immediately proceed.
To our fellow Filipinos, let us continue to stand and show solidarity with the victims of both the bloody drug war and counter-insurgency operations of Duterte.
He must not get away with his gruesome crimes against the Filipino people no matter how long the trial will take.
We will wait and we will remain vigilant until justice is fully served.
#DutertePanagutin
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KARAPATAN is an alliance of human rights organizations and programs, human rights desks and committees of people’s organizations, and individual advocates committed to the defense and promotion of people’s rights and civil liberties. It monitors and documents cases of human rights violations, assists and defends victims and conducts education, training and campaign. It was established in 1995.