ICC Arrests Philippine’s Duterte

THE BIG PICTURE

The arrest this week in Manila of former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte, accused by International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors of crimes against humanity, has been widely welcomed as a landmark moment for accountability.?

Duterte had been heavily criticised, both at home and abroad, for the extrajudicial killings linked to his signature “war on drugs” policy in which an estimated 30,000 people were killed. But the allegations against him have nonetheless proved divisive.

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VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINE

“Duterte’s arrest signals the long-overdue opportunity to uphold the rule of law and public accountability,” said Rorie Fajardo-Jarilla, Asia Programme Coordinator & Philippines Country Director.?

However, despite his strongarm tactics and outspoken misogyny, Duterte remained hugely popular throughout his presidency. ?

As IWPR Asia, Eurasia and Africa director Alan Davis noted this week, “Following his arrest, local media in Manila broadcast footage of vigils of ordinary Filipinos holding candles and placards mourning his arrest and extradition at the hands of the ICC.” ?

This was an example, Davis continued, of the “many ironies and imponderables that surround Duterte and his elevated position in Philippine society”. ?

“For some, Duterte’s violent anti-drug war brough peace and order to the country,” Fajardo-Jarilla said. “But for the families of the victims, mostly men from urban poor communities suspected of dealing with drugs, it is high time to hold the ‘Dirty Harry’ of the Philippines to account.”

WHY IT MATTERS

Duterte’s arrest sends a powerful message to other current and former leaders?wanted by the ICC that impunity may be fragile and short-lived. But the move also illustrates the complex nature of international justice processes and their domestic impact.?

“To some extent, the Filipino public at large is yet to fully understand what is happening,” Fajardo-Jarilla said. “Some of the citizens I spoke with in our community asked, why was Duterte arrested? What were the charges? What is the ICC? What will happen next?"

“It is good to observe that as we are witnessing this unprecedented moment, media and civil society are stepping up in helping ordinary Filipinos understand the surrounding issues in very simple ways: several quickly published explainers and other informative pieces, including reviews of past reportage on Duterte’s drug war.”?

THE BOTTOM LINE

IWPR has worked in the Philippines for two decades, engaging citizens, media and civil?society in projects that include advocating for accountability and an end to impunity.?

“Duterte’s arrest has expectedly spurred polarising narratives, indicating the deep political divide further exacerbated by the recent start of the midterm election campaigns,” said Fajardo-Jarilla.

“It will be a long and complex process, but for the families of the more than 30,000 victims of the former president’s violent war on drugs, this offers hope to finally bring Duterte to justice.”

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