MANILA, Philippines — Families of the victims of the “war on drugs” of former president Rodrigo Duterte are happy that the International Criminal Court (ICC) authorized the participation of 500 more applicants as drug war victims.
Meanwhile, they also condemned the disqualification request of the former chief executive’s ICC lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, against the legal counsel of the victims — Joel Butuyan, Gilbert Andres and Nicolene Arcaina.
In a statement, Rise Up for Life and for Rights, an alliance that responds to upsurge in drug-related killings because of the controversial war, said Kaufman’s position was “an attempt to obstruct the ICC proceedings.”
“Duterte and his lawyers have exhausted all the legal actions they could think of to derail our fight for justice. With the confirmation of charges hearing to begin on Feb. 23, 2026 their desperation grows,” Sheerah Escudero, sister of drug war victim Ephraim, said.
“Fortunately for us, the ICC so far has denied Duterte’s appeals. Duterte and his lawyers are clearly frustrated because their tactics are not working,” she added.
The alliance also hopes that the confirmation of charges hearing against Duterte will proceed as scheduled despite Kaufman’s move.
“Duterte must be held accountable for crimes against humanity. We will continue to fight for justice for our loved ones until Duterte is found guilty,” said Dahlia Cuartero, who is the mother of another drug war victim, Jesus Cuartero III.
“My son was maligned as a drug user and criminal. I and other families have been called many names as we fight for justice. Today, we have seen and read the names of the real culprits – they who have blood on their hands for implementing a deadly policy. The world ought to know who they are,” she added.
