Metro Manila, Philippines – White roses, flickering candles, and framed photographs of the dead filled a quiet prayer gathering Wednesday as families of victims of the bloody war on drugs marked one year since the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The solemn gathering was a memorial and a call for accountability.
Duterte has been detained in The Hague awaiting his fate at the ICC over alleged crimes against humanity for murder linked to his anti-drug campaign. The case is awaiting key court decisions to determine the next phase of the proceedings.
For Cristina Jumola, the anniversary is deeply personal. She said she lost all three of her sons in the drug war.
“Noong mabalitaan ko na hinuli na ng ICC si Duterte, laking tuwa ko kasi sa wakas mabibigyan ng katarungan ang pagkamatay ng anak ko,” she said.
[Translation: When I learned that Duterte had been arrested by the ICC, I felt great joy because at last my child’s death might receive justice.]
Jumola described her sons as hardworking and devoted to helping the family. Their absence, she said, is felt most during moments meant for celebration.
She recalled how they used to greet her during Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.
“Hindi talaga naghihilom kahit ilang taon na ang lumipas, nandiyan pa rin ang sakit,” she said.
[Translation: The wounds will not heal even after many years. The pain is still there.]
She said she hopes the former president will be held accountable for the killings.
“Sana pagbayaran ni Duterte ang mga pagpatay niya.”
[Translation: I hope Duterte will pay for the killings.]
Seventy-one-year-old Mercidita De Guia was also at the event. She said her 40-year-old son was killed during the anti-drug campaign.
“Napakamatulungin noon. Nagtatrabaho bilang security guard pero pinatay pa rin,” she said.
[Translation: He was very helpful. He was a security guard, but he was still killed.]
The remembrance included prayers and a Mass led by Flavie Villanueva, a Catholic priest who has long worked with families of drug war victims.
In his homily, Villanueva criticized Duterte over the thousands of deaths linked to the anti-drug campaign, saying the killings disrespected human life, human rights and even the country’s sovereignty.
He said Duterte belongs in The Hague to face accountability.
“Duterte nagpapatay, sa Hague ka habambuhay, huwag ka malungkot dahil sasamahan ka ni Bato at ni Bong Go,” Villanueva said, referring to former top cop now Sen. Bato dela Rosa and ex-presidential aide now Sen. Bong Go..
[Translation: Duterte ordered the killings — you belong in The Hague for life. Don’t be lonely because Bato and Bong Go will join you.]
The priest also delivered a sharp rebuke, describing those who disregard human rights as the lowest form of humanity.
“Wala kang pagpapahalaga sa iyong kapwa, sa lipunan at sa karapatang pantao. Ikaw ang pinakamababang uri ng tao na nilalang sa mundo — ang tawag sa’yo, karton,” he said.
[Translation: You have no regard for your fellow human beings, for society or for human rights. You are the lowest kind of person created in this world — you are a cardboard.]
Duterte supporters have long used life-size cardboard cutouts of the former president during rallies and vigils, including gatherings along what they call “Duterte Street” near The Hague.
But for the families gathered at the commemoration, it was about remembrance as they long for justice.
