Families of drug war victims fear injustice if Duterte’s interim release is granted

DAVAO CITY (June 15, 2025) — Families of victims of the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs are urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to reject former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release, warning that such a move could embolden harassment and deepen the climate of fear and injustice in the Philippines.

The families, who have long sought accountability for what they describe as state-sanctioned extrajudicial killings (EJKs), said in a joint statement that Duterte’s possible release, even in a foreign country, poses a direct threat to victims and human rights defenders back home.

“Considering Mr. Duterte’s massive resources and enduring influence, granting him interim freedom could further demoralize survivors and expose them to harassment from Duterte sympathizers,” their petition read.

The group is now finalizing a formal appeal to the ICC, urging its judges to weigh the broader implications of allowing Duterte provisional liberty while his crimes against humanity case remains under judicial consideration.

Maria Kristina Conti, assistant counsel for the victims at the ICC, also underscored the threat Duterte’s interim release could pose.

“In defense of human rights and dignity, Duterte’s interim release poses a serious risk to the victims of the war on drugs. His influence and network in the Philippines are still strong. His release would embolden his supporters to intimidate further, harass, or even retaliate against victims and human rights defenders,” Conti said in a statement.

She added that the legal team representing the victims is actively preparing to file a formal opposition before the ICC judges to prevent what they believe could be a miscarriage of justice.

Duterte’s camp earlier confirmed filing a motion requesting an interim release on alleged health and humanitarian grounds. The ICC has yet to issue a ruling on the motion. Still, human rights organizations worldwide have expressed solidarity with the victims’ families, stressing that leniency would signal impunity for high-ranking officials accused of gross human rights abuses.

The ICC’s investigation focuses on allegations of systematic killings and other crimes committed during Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, which watchdogs estimate resulted in thousands of deaths, often without due process.