Groups Slam Duterte’s Plea for ICC Interim Release

By Juliane Judilla

Progressive groups and human rights advocates have denounced former President Rodrigo Duterte’s petition for interim release from the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling it a “travesty of justice” and a dangerous precedent for accountability in crimes against humanity.

The ICC is holding Duterte in The Hague following an arrest warrant issued over his alleged role in thousands of killings under the Philippine “war on drugs,” which he led as Davao City mayor and later as president.

The court found reasonable grounds to believe Duterte is individually responsible, as an indirect co-perpetrator, for the crime against humanity of murder committed from Nov. 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019, when the Philippines was still party to the Rome Statute.

Duterte’s legal counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, filed a motion for interim release on “humanitarian grounds,” claiming that a third country had agreed in principle to host him.

Multiple groups rejected the request, warning of its serious implications.

“No to special treatment for Duterte. Keep him there,” said Renato Reyes of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan).

Bayan slammed the motion as a blatant insult to victims of extrajudicial killings, saying it could embolden state leaders to disregard international justice mechanisms.

“This petition is not only a travesty of justice, but it poses a real danger to victims and witnesses of Tokhang and extrajudicial killings,” the group said.

They warned the court that Duterte cannot be trusted to comply with any conditions of release.

“The court should take note that Duterte is a recidivist liar who keeps reneging on his own words if it serves his interest,” they added, calling his assurances “not reliable.”

The group also cited the enduring political influence of the Duterte family, including Vice President Sara Duterte, and raised concerns about active disinformation campaigns targeting witnesses and legal proceedings.

“His interim release endangers those who are pursuing truth, justice, and accountability,” Bayan said.

“It would only boost the machinery of deceit and repression against those seeking justice.”

Human rights organization Karapatan also opposed the petition.

“Karapatan vehemently opposes all machinations by Rodrigo Duterte to evade accountability, including his motion for interim release,” said Secretary General Cristina Palabay.

Karapatan emphasized that the petition reeks of “special treatment,” while victims and their families continue to face harassment and impunity.

“We stand with the victims and families in seeking full justice and accountability for the crimes against humanity perpetrated by Duterte and his cohorts through the thousands of extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, and all forms of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law,” the group stated.

Both Bayan and Karapatan also criticized the Marcos Jr. administration, accusing it of enabling Duterte’s legal maneuvering through silence and backroom deals that consolidate political power and suppress accountability.

As Duterte’s legal team pushes for his release, victims’ families, civil society organizations, and international watchdogs are calling on the ICC to uphold justice without delay or compromise.

Attorney Kristina Conti, a legal counsel for families of extrajudicial killing victims and a member of Rise Up for Life and for Rights, echoed these sentiments.

“A mix of anger, fear, and confusion is what the families of the victims of the war on drugs are feeling now in light of the news about the appeal for Duterte’s interim release,” Rise Up said in a statement.

“Duterte is fortunate because he is enjoying due process even while in detention,” the statement added.

“The appeal for interim release clearly shows their unwillingness to take responsibility for the violations committed against the people’s rights — while the families of the victims continue to be denied justice.”

The groups called on the public to stand firm against Duterte’s petition.

“Push back against this legal maneuver and all other unscrupulous attempts to give special treatment to a brutal murderer like Duterte,” Bayan said.