Press Release
Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court (PCICC)
The Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court (PCICC) welcomes the landmark decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber denying the request for interim release of former President Rodrigo Duterte from the Hague Detention Center.
“The ICC Appeals Chamber’s judgment affirming the denial of interim release for former President Rodrigo Duterte is a major win for victims and their families in the ongoing struggle for truth and accountability. With domestic mechanisms having failed them, the ICC now represents the only viable path to justice,” said Atty. Ray Paolo Santiago, PCICC Co-Chair.
The ICC Appeals Chamber’s judgment affirming the denial of interim release for former President Rodrigo Duterte is a major win for victims and their families in the ongoing struggle for truth and accountability.
Atty. Ray Paolo Santiago, PCICC Co-Chairperson
Duterte’s defense team had sought his interim release on humanitarian grounds, citing poor health and alleged cognitive impairment. However, the Pre-Trial Chamber ruled, and the Appeals Chamber has now affirmed, that Duterte remains a flight risk, poses potential obstruction to justice, and may continue to commit crimes if released.
“This decision is an early Christmas gift for the victims and families who suffered under Duterte’s bloody drug war,” said Dr. Aurora Parong, PCICC Co-Chair. “We hope this ruling clears the way for the immediate scheduling of the Confirmation of Charges hearing, which was postponed in part to resolve the interim release issue. Once the charges of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder, are confirmed, the trial can finally move forward.
Atty. Santiago added, “Several co-perpetrators are listed, though redacted, in the Document for the Confirmation of Charges (DCC). Duterte is currently the only one in detention. We urge the ICC to issue arrest warrants for the other individuals involved so that all those who played significant roles in the killings, arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual abuse are likewise held accountable. It is crucial that witnesses and survivors of the drug war are able to testify freely in the pursuit of truth and justice.”
We urge the ICC to issue arrest warrants for the other individuals involved so that all those who played significant roles in the killings, arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual abuse are likewise held accountable.
The Pre-Trial Chamber has already ruled that the ICC has jurisdiction over the situation in the Philippines, although an appeal on that finding remains pending.
“It would be a welcome development if the Appeals Chamber affirms the Pre-Trial Chamber’s decision on ICC jurisdiction before the year ends,” Dr. Parong concluded.
For more information you can message: Atty Santiago at: 09270348216 or Dr. Parong at 09175299953