Kin of drug war victims have ‘mixed’ emotions on Duterte’s fitness for trial — Conti
MANILA — The families of the drug war victims have “mixed” emotions regarding the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision that former President Rodrigo Duterte is fit for trial, a lawyer said on Friday.
Duterte, who faces crimes against humanity charges over the extrajudicial killings linked to his war on drugs, is scheduled for trial on Nov. 30.
ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti, a lawyer who helps victims’ kin, said the families are pained and glad with the court recognizing Duterte’s fitness.
“May konting kirot na nakikita nilang buhay si Duterte samantalang ang kaanak nila ay patay pero alam nila na ang tunay na katarungan makukuha kapag nagsabi nang totoo si Duterte at mapanagot siya,” Conti told ABS-CBN News.
“‘Yung iba talagang pinagdadasal ito dahil alam nila na kailangan OK ‘yung akusado. Kaya kasama sa mga birthday wish nila at saka mga panalangin nila na okay pa rin si Duterte dahil alam nila ‘pag hindi na ‘yan makakasipot sa hearing, titigil ang lahat,” she explained.
Conti added that the only remaining wish of the families, which they think would not be granted, is for Duterte to apologize.
Lawyer Gilbert Andres, among the counsels of the victims, said the families are “eagerly” awaiting the start of the trial, stressing that they are “rejoicing” and “thankful” for the ICC decision.
“For the victims, this is one step further towards their quest for truth and justice for their murdered loved ones,” Andres said in a message.
According to human rights group KARAPATAN, the alleged delays and maneuvers of Duterte’s team should be put to rest, and the proceedings must commence following the decision.
“After years of impunity, the victims and their families deserve nothing less than a genuine process of accountability,” the group said.
KARAPATAN pointed out that justice must not end with the former president, as enablers should also be held accountable, including Senator Ronald dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa, former Philippine National Police chief during the drug war implementation, has been in hiding amid an ICC arrest warrant.
“All of Duterte’s minions should be brought to justice,” KARAPATAN pushed.
Human rights groups, the United Nations, and ICC investigators estimated that extrajudicial killings from the drug war could reach between 12,000 and 30,000. The figure is way higher than the over 6,000 recorded by the government.
Conti said that the ICC is still accepting victims who are willing to share their stories and views on the brutal illegal drug crackdown.